Women & Negotiation: How to Use Your Strengths to Your Advantage

I recently read a book called The Art of Feminine Negotiation. I was really impressed with the book, and I thought I would share some of the things I learned with you.

First, let me say that I've always been a fairly good negotiator. I've always been able to get a good outcome for all involved, whether it's a better deal on a car or a who does which chores negotiation with my husband. But I never really thought about how my gender might be affecting my negotiation skills.

The Art of Feminine Negotiation opened my eyes to the fact that women are often socialized to be passive and agreeable, which can make us less likely to negotiate for what we want. We're taught to be nice, to not make waves, and to put the needs of others before our own.

But as the book points out, this can actually work against us in negotiation settings. When we're too agreeable, we're more likely to be taken advantage of. And when we're too passive, we're less likely to get what we want.

So what can women do to be more effective negotiators? The Art of Feminine Negotiation offers a number of tips, including:

Set clear goals and objectives. What do you want to achieve through the negotiation? Once you know what you want, you can start to develop a strategy for how to get it.

Research your opponent. The more you know about the other person, the better equipped you will be to negotiate with them. Consider their interests, their goals, and their strengths and weaknesses.

Build rapport and trust. Negotiators who are able to build rapport and trust with the other party are more likely to reach a successful outcome. Be friendly and respectful, and listen carefully to what the other person has to say.

Communicate effectively. Clear and concise communication is essential in any negotiation. Be sure to state your goals clearly, and be open to hearing the other person's point of view.

Handle difficult conversations. Negotiators will inevitably encounter difficult conversations during the course of a negotiation. It is important to stay calm and collected, and to avoid getting defensive.

Reach an agreement that is beneficial to both parties. The goal of negotiation is to reach an agreement that is beneficial to both parties. Be willing to compromise, and be open to new ideas.

I found these tips to be really helpful, and I've already started using them in my own negotiations. I've noticed a big difference in my results, and I'm much more confident in my ability to get what I want.

If you're a woman who wants to learn how to negotiate more effectively, I highly recommend reading The Art of Feminine Negotiation. It's a great book that will give you the tools and strategies you need to succeed in all areas of your life.