Negotiate like a leader.

I'm currently enrolled in a 5-course certification program called "Women in Leadership."  Really-- a certification for how to be a woman and a leader?  It's true. And, it's awesome! I'm only in my second course, and I'm loving it. They have a whole course devoted to negotiation! It's a need.

Research shows that women ask for what they need, when most men ask for what they want. Also, most women feel greedy when they ask for what they want, questioning the overall good for the organization and the effect that ask may have on their relationships. Often men leverage relationships to get what they want. What? Yes--you can too. And, get comfortable when others leverage their relationship with you. We're in this together.

However, negotiations are not the only step in closing the gender wage gap, and some say that women should not be pressured to always negotiate, such as this NBER paper. There are multiple actions that could help close the gap. Businesses and organizations must be intentional in ensuring that their recruitment and compensation policies and standards are set up to provide equal opportunity and equal pay. Salary transparency is also a suggestion from many as a way to ensure equal pay.

To Do

Be prepared.

Know your value.

Decide your ask.

Organize your thoughts.