Negotiation No-No’s

The 'Stuff Mom Never Titled You' podcast episode titled 'Negotiation No-No's' addresses the common pitfalls women encounter during salary negotiations. Hosts Emily and Bridget dive into the intricacies of negotiation, particularly focusing on how women can avoid making mistakes that might hinder their chances of achieving fair compensation. They open the discussion by debunking the outdated notion that women don't negotiate, highlighting that while men are still more likely to negotiate job offers, women are indeed asking for raises and promotions within their organizations. However, they also face a disparity in success rates when asking for more.

The hosts discuss the importance of not revealing salary expectations too early in the job application process, emphasizing the strategic advantage of letting the employer state their offer first. They provide a three-step strategy for deflecting the salary question: a flat and pleasant refusal, reassurance that salary won't be an issue if other factors align, and pivoting the conversation to another topic. Emily shares an anecdote about her successful negotiation in a real estate deal, illustrating how effective communication can influence outcomes.

Further, the episode covers the disadvantages of negotiating via email, as it lacks the nuances of tone and body language that can be crucial in a negotiation setting. The hosts argue that women are often perceived negatively when displaying assertiveness in written communication, which can backfire and even result in a retracted job offer. They also touch upon the legal aspects of job offers and rescindment, suggesting that getting offers in writing can provide leverage.

Additionally, the podcast explores the broader aspects of negotiation beyond salary, such as benefits, work flexibility, and professional development opportunities. They encourage listeners to consider the entire compensation package and to initiate conversations about negotiable elements even in seemingly rigid structures like government jobs. The episode concludes with a discussion on the cultural expectations for women to be pleasant during negotiations and the psychological underpinnings of negotiation tactics.