Ask for It by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever

Summary

Ask for It by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever is a practical guide aimed at empowering women to become better negotiators in both their professional and personal lives. Through research-based insights and actionable strategies, the authors uncover why women often hesitate to negotiate and demonstrate how this can impact earnings and advancement. The book provides step-by-step methods to develop negotiation skills and encourages readers to challenge the status quo, advocate for themselves, and achieve better outcomes.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Negotiation is a skill that can be learned and improved, not an inherent trait.

2. Being proactive and clear about your needs can lead to significant personal and professional gains.

3. Women often undervalue their contributions, and recognizing your worth is the first step towards successful negotiation.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2008

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 88

Practical Examples

1. Negotiating a higher salary

   The book provides an in-depth example of a woman preparing to negotiate her salary with her manager. She researches industry standards, builds a valid case based on her achievements, and practices her pitch with a friend before entering the negotiation. The result is a successful salary increase that sets the tone for her future earnings.

2. Self-advocacy in the workplace

   A case study in the book explores a mid-level manager who notices male peers receiving better projects. After learning negotiation strategies, she prepares by documenting her accomplishments and requesting a meeting with her boss, during which she clearly communicates her desire for more challenging assignments, leading to a more fulfilling role.

3. Setting boundaries in personal life

   The authors describe a woman overwhelmed with household tasks. Using negotiation techniques, she holds a family meeting, expresses her feelings, and together, they establish a more balanced division of chores, which improves family relationships and reduces her stress.

4. Negotiating remote work arrangements

   One scenario involves a professional who seeks a flexible working arrangement after returning from maternity leave. She outlines how remote work can benefit both her and the company, presents a detailed plan, and negotiates a trial period with her supervisor, eventually securing a permanent remote position.

5. Building negotiation skills through small wins

   The book recommends starting with low-stakes negotiations, like asking for a better deal on a service or returning an item without a receipt, to build confidence. Over time, these experiences help the reader become more comfortable making larger requests in professional settings.