Practicing negotiation requires a great amount of confidence. While it might come naturally to some, many find the need to hone their skills to be able to communicate their needs effectively and win over their counterparts. As women in business, we’re all too familiar with the challenges that come with our efforts. It doesn’t mean we’re not trying. In fact, one study suggests that 64% of women negotiate for a promotion or pay raise in comparison to 59% of men—yet we still don’t always receive the recognition we deserve.
While we continue to bridge this gap, it’s important to equip ourselves with the experiences, insights, and tools to navigate an ever-complex, male-saturated landscape. Here, several women in business share some of their strategies to help elevate your negotiation skills and pave your path to success.
1. Retire your people-pleasing tendencies.
Negotiation can be foreign, especially if you feel like you’re making a difficult decision. If you’re a woman, you may have also been socialized to consider others’ emotions over your own. However, people-pleasing robs you of the opportunities you’re more than capable of achieving. To ensure your needs are met, push past your initial discomfort and become accustomed to standing firm in your opinions.
“Prioritize your needs and goals alongside aiming for a mutually agreeable outcome,” said Kateryna Reshetilo of Greenice. “For example, instead of automatically accepting a low offer, explore ways to counter with a win-win solution that both addresses your value and satisfies the other party's concerns.”
2. Be clear about your expectations.
Before negotiating, consider: what do you need from the other party to fulfill your goals, and how can it be mutually beneficial? It’s best to have your game plan from the get-go so when you enter that sales meeting or one-on-one, you have a structured agenda to guide you.
Content writer for Written By Lacey, Lacey Muinos, suggests:
“I'm up-front about my expectations on pay. There's a song and dance that happens between hiring managers and prospective employees or contractors, and I don't like to waste my time on it. They have a number in mind and so do I, so I might as well get the ball rolling. Oftentimes, they appreciate this level of transparency since interviewees usually elude questions surrounding salary expectations. I'll start the bidding by laying out what my services cost or what my expectations are, letting the other person know that there isn't room for haggling (because this isn't the flea market).”
3. Leverage empathy as your superpower.
Human connection should be at the root of your conversations. When you work to build relationships and genuinely understand others’ perspectives, you establish a form of trust that can take you further than you think.
“Empathy, often underestimated, is a powerful tool in negotiation. It enables a deeper engagement with the other party, facilitating a more open dialogue where concerns are addressed and mutual understanding is achieved," explained Alana Gibson of DGR Legal. “This doesn't mean acquiescing to all demands but recognizing the human element in negotiation, which can pave the way for more collaborative solutions.”
4. Redefine negotiation as collaboration.
Most people won’t be won over unless they believe they’ll benefit from the exchange. Instead of viewing negotiation as a you vs. them, think of the process as an ongoing partnership. With transparent communication and positive rapport, you can take the steps necessary to leverage each other's strengths and achieve an outcome that works for all involved parties.
“Frame negotiations as a chance to solve a problem together instead of dwelling on potential conflict. This mindset shift reduces internal friction and focuses on finding the best solution for everyone.” noted Reshetilo.
5. Recognize your worth and build confidence.
At the end of the day, you’re your best advocate. When you identify your worth, others will be quick to follow. Take the time to unveil the details and demonstrate why you’re worth someone’s time, whether it’s your years of expertise or unique industry insights.
“Research industry-standard salaries, benefits packages, and your ‘Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement’ (your bottom line). This knowledge empowers you to negotiate from a position of strength,” added Reshetilo. “Maintain direct eye contact, use clear language, and project composure. Even if you feel nervous inside, external confidence strengthens your position.”
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We’re not meant to fight the good fight alone. Whether learning how to improve your negotiation skills or strengthening your personal brand, having a network to support you makes all the difference.
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