By Janet Bodnar
From Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
Research shows that women are more reluctant than men to ask for a raise and that they feel less comfortable negotiating.
“Women have been socialized not to ask, and they’re especially sensitive to asking for too much,” says Sharon Melnick, an executive coach for women leaders. “It seems like self-promotion.”
Melnick thinks those attitudes might be changing, especially after the pandemic. “I’m hearing more women say that compensation really matters to them,” she says.
If you’re shy about speaking up, start by getting into the right mindset and then sharpen your negotiating skills, advises Kelley Joyce, founder of The Truth at Work. “Build up your negotiating muscle around nonthreatening situations,” says Joyce. “It’s unrealistic to march into your boss’s office and ask for more money if you hesitate to send back a cold meal at a restaurant or you defer to your spouse about which movie to watch.”…