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I've recommended this book for young women just starting out in the work force, as well as seasoned executives at major companies and they have all found it useful. because they are not afraid to request what they think they deserve (or don't deserve). The information is presented in an intelligent, interesting manner- not a self-help or 'business' book, which in my opinion, is a good thing. Every woman should read this book before asking for a raise. The studies conducted are a harsh, yet empowering reminder that men often get raises, promotions, projects at work, etc.
If you're looking for ideas of how to improve woman's likelihood to negotiate and a woman's likelihood to ask, buy the sequel. The sequel to this book, "Ask For It", does a great job answering that question. If you're interested in WHY women are less likely to ask, stick with this book. This book does a wonderful job of sharing all the research which explains why women are less likely to negotiate, less likely to ask for what they want, and less likely to get what they want. However, what's missing from this book is how women can overcome these barriers.
On the other hand, academic writing (which has none of those flaws) can be dense and unreadable. But I think it also helps women to realize that much of life is actually negotiable and that there are opportunities waiting to be grabbed.Women Don't Ask is one of the best blends of "journalism + academic writing" that I have seen. I asked about a AAA discount, but the clerk seemed to have run out of freebies. This book is a near-perfect balance. (Total savings, $700 and I could have done better).This book was also very relevant to me as a parent, as I see Matthew always asks for what he wants, with no qualms at all - whereas Emily is more hesitant as she considers the ramifications of her request (will I get mad, will relationships be endangered, perhaps I will guess what she wants without her having to ask, etc). Another in my series of reading books that my wife has left lying around the house.
In fact, I noticed this yesterday at the local Big 5 store - the guy in front of me just flat out asked for an extra discount - no reason given - and he got 10% off, just for asking. As I have noted before, journalist writing is often "light" - statements are not deeply justified, ramifications not fully explored, objections not effectively countered. This book studies why women don't seem to ask for things as frequently as men do - and the impact of not asking. All in all, lots of good lessons for Emily and I.Also, the book does not simply say "men ask for more, they get more, women should be like men" - but rather point out ways in which women's typical negotiating style (relationship oriented) can work out well in the long run and how women can leverage that style to be more effective. Probably helps that one author is a journalist and the other is a professor - but the book is co-written seamlessly. I was fascinated by the data presented - in short, that (in general) men seem to view everything in life as negotiable, while women consider most things as non-negotiable.
This book was certainly useful to me as we bought a car and arranged to have our house painted during the period I read it.
It is not a book that levels blame (which does not mean that it is a comfortable read; as a professional woman I found it decidedly uncomfortable at times), but does seek to highlight ways in which we, and the society in which we live, have solidified an aversion to asking for what we want, need, or deserve.The touted "strategies for change" are minimal (although the idea that feelings of entitlement lead to stronger bargaining is useful). Babcock and Laschever have presented an excellent -- thoroughly researched and well-written -- discussion of the rationale behind, and costs of, the problems encountered when women negotiate (including a resistance to doing so). collaborative) are discussed, as are the ways in which modern negotiations are tending in that direction.All in all, a book very worth reading (and one that almost all my friends will be getting). Instead, the benefits of a more stereotypically feminine approach to negotiating (i.e. They build a damning case against gender stereotyping and socialization based on extensive scientific research and present clearly the ways in which this has hampered many women in their approach to negotiating. In particular, the discussion of the impact of disparate levels of perceived entitlement between men and women (of all ages) is extremely illuminating.
To say I was a little disappointed with this book is probably an understatement.I was expecting a hybrid of the psychology behind why women don't ask and coaching or mentoring points (checklist if you like) of actions and strategies to improve.This is not what I found.The book was interesting to some degree but it was difficult to pinpoint actions or strategies for improvement, they weren't spelled out in easy to read format, nor were they easy to identify.
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