Why is it that statistically, women traditionally, earn less than men, even when both are performing the same function? The answer to that question partially resides in the fact that women are less likely to negotiate when talking about money, promotions, or occurrences that happen in everyday life. I'm not saying this is the case with every woman, but in general, women are less likely to negotiate then men. That being the case, might a lack of negotiation skills by women lead to the premise that men are better negotiators? Once again, the answer is, not necessarily so.
Men have the reputation of being better negotiators, simply because they ask for more of what they want in life. By the fact that men are more apt to ask for more money when being hired, or ask for the promotion they seek, gives them an advantage, when in the job and other environments. As the result of asking for more, men statistically will outdistance women. The lesson to be learned from this is, women need to just ask for more. Surprisingly enough, if women did just ask, they would receive more. They would receive more in the work environment and every environment they find themselves in.
Since women are thought of as not being very good negotiators, they have a built in advantage. Women, once they acquire a little knowledge about negotiations and then start to apply some negotiation tactics, will start to acquire equilibrium in the work place and other stations of life, with men.
If you are a woman reading this article, you are positioned just right. You are poised to become an outstanding negotiator. Just start acquiring more knowledge about negotiations, then implement that knowledge and watch your fortunes soar. If you are a man reading this article, do you hear those footsteps getting closer to you? Turn around, most likely its a women armed with new and better negotiation skills catching up with you. Fret not; the negotiation game has just started. Remember the more you learn about negotiations, the better you become at negotiating. So, increase your knowledge and let the games begin.
