ARTICLE BY CHERYL ALEXANDER
Negotiating and Networking ST R AT E GI E S TO FIND YO U R VO ICE AND B E S E E N
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areer success is increasingly defined not just by how many hours you spend at your computer, but also your ability to advocate for yourself and to connect to others. Respectfully pushing back, incorporating outside perspectives, and navigating groups are essential skills in today’s ultra-connected society. It’s up to you to connect the dots between self-worth, ideas, businesses, and people. If your goal is to have a seat at the table where your ideas can be heard, it’s not enough to simply be successful and sociable. Instead, you must be deliberate in your efforts to advocate for yourself and grow your sphere of influence. NEGOTIATING Thankfully, more and more women are speaking up at work—for equal opportunities, equal compensation
and a workplace free of harassment—as it should be. However, while women are boldly asking for what their teams and colleagues need, many are still reluctant to negotiate for themselves. Some critical strategies can help: • Be prepared. If you are caught off guard by an unexpected conversation, whether it’s about a new role in the company or an unexpected demotion, buy yourself some time to regroup so you’ll be able to approach the discussion knowing what you want and how you’ll ask for it. It takes time to make sure the right issues are on the table. Highlight your uniqueness and be ready to clearly communicate the value you contribute. And avoid talking only about salary, as this single-issue discussion can damage the relationship. Visualize or practice by C2 MAGAZINE
AUGUST 2021
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