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Did you worry about being called 鈥渂ossy鈥� when you were a little girl? Research shows
that female children do not appreciate female peers who tell other girls what to do.
Subsequently, girls learn not to "boss people around" for fear of being banished from
their social circle. While girls play collaboratively, boys play games that encourage
hierarchy and leadership, such as 鈥渒ing of the hill.鈥� How does playground behavior
influence the workplace? Women tend to avoid taking credit for an achievement, and
they speak apologetically so as not to appear overbearing or boastful. For example:
鈥淚鈥檓 sorry if this idea has already been suggested.鈥� Or, 鈥淚 just thought maybe we
could鈥︹�� Conversely, men tend to express pride in their ideas and tout their achievements.
Would you rather visit the dentist than negotiate for yourself? You are not alone.
Women are socialized to create peace in relationships, which includes the workplace.
When a female professional negotiates with someone, she may feel she is taking something
away from him or her. Negotiations regarding one鈥檚 salary, promotion, and maternity
leave, are all vitally important. Women need to overcome feeling 鈥渟elfish鈥� or 鈥済reedy鈥�
when advocating for themselves. Learn how you can communicate with confidence, negotiate
without guilt, and advocate for yourself.
"You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." - Oprah
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