Women shy away from negotiation!

Women, no matter how qualified, are far more likely than men to turn down media interviews or high positioned job opportunities. Women may write books, teach at well-regarded institutions, hold prestigious awards, run organisations and otherwise know their stuff – and yet many confess that when journalists call seeking their expertise, they often defer to others.

What I have experienced is that, when it comes to expertise, women frequently hold themselves to a higher standard of authority. So, while a woman may well acknowledge that she knows a great deal about a particular subject, she may shy away from being quoted if she knows that someone, somewhere out there, knows more.

It is a fact that women shy away!

Aside from the fact that women tend to shy away from the jobs that pay the most, in most job, following is still a problem on a regular basis; women…

• Don’t ask for a higher salary when they get a job because they’re just grateful they got a job in the first place
• Don’t ask around for similar salaries / averages to get an idea of what to ask for and what your range should be
• Don’t ask or push for a promotion (they need quantifiable numbers and actual value brought to the table)
• Don’t negotiate for a salary bump or a bonus when the time comes around to do so and keep quiet instead. Thinking their bosses will quietly recognise their value. He usually don't!
• Don’t want to hop from job to job for a better salary, position, etc
• Don’t think they have to talk about themselves because they think it’s bragging

Women, you have to prove yourself and your worth!

Basically, this humble attitude is ruining it for the rest of us (I am aware that I probably wont get popular for this comment, but someone have to say it!). The actions of few women who is unprofessional and flighty, tends to affect the rest of us with the same brush.

We do not want to put all this pressure and responsibility on other women to prove themselves as not to let down other women, but the fact is employers and buyers enjoy stereotyping.

Since there are less women in leader positions, it also means that we are more visible and targeted as a minority group.

It’s also a factor that women (based on the above reasons in the post), directly or indirectly accept such an environment where they also allow themselves to be treated in such a way, or they simply don’t speak up when they should.

It is just frustrating that you see all of these studies and as a woman, you know it isn’t the whole picture being portrayed because the blame seems to be all on the companies or on men.

We have to work harder and smarter!

All women have to understand that at some point in our life (or all the time), we not only have to work a bit harder and smarter to be considered ‘equal’, but also have to say it. It is a global situation and it is unfair, but we are optimistic and hopeful that in the future attitudes will thaw and change as newer generations grow up among a work and cultural environment that acknowledges that women’s work products are equal to men’s. Until then: Step up, and join the game!