Stacey Vanek Smith, a journalist with years of experience in business and economics, discusses her book 'Machiavelli for Women' where she explores how Niccolò Machiavelli's principles can empower women in the workplace. She covers the challenges women face, such as underrepresentation in leadership roles and the gender pay gap, and offers strategies to overcome them. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of individual action, building support networks, and making decisions that align with personal values.
Women can leverage the bias that they are more likely to be seen positively when advocating on behalf of others, creating a collaborative environment and increasing their chances of success in negotiations.
Building a strong support network, including mentors, sponsors, and colleagues, is crucial for women in the workplace, as it not only strengthens their position but also establishes relationships that increase the likelihood of being advocated for and supported in their career growth.
Deep dives
The Cinderella Syndrome: Overcoming Gender Bias in the Workplace
The Cinderella syndrome refers to the bias that women face in the workplace, where they tend to be promoted based on their past work rather than their potential. This is because society often associates ideal feminine qualities, such as compassion and selflessness, with being a good woman, but not with leadership qualities. To overcome this bias, women can leverage the fact that they are more likely to be seen positively when advocating on behalf of others. By presenting a story of a potential future with their employer and highlighting how their goals align with the company's objectives, women can create a collaborative environment and make the negotiation less adversarial, increasing their chances of success.
Negotiating for Women: Building a Support Network
Building a strong support network, including mentors, sponsors, and colleagues, is crucial for women in the workplace. While finding a mentor can be challenging, women can look for individuals whose work they admire and reach out to them, expressing their admiration and seeking advice. In negotiations, women can adopt a collaborative approach, presenting a future where they contribute to the company's goals and success. This approach not only strengthens their position but also establishes a relationship with their employer, increasing the likelihood of being advocated for and supported in their career growth.
The Power of Mental Flexibility in Negotiations
Having mental flexibility and a willingness to let go of rigid expectations is a powerful tool in negotiations. Recognizing that one's value as a person and the value of their work does not solely depend on a single job or promotion allows for a more open and confident mindset. Instead of approaching negotiations as confrontational, women can focus on creating a win-win situation, showcasing their ability to contribute to the organization's success. This approach reduces anxiety and positions negotiations as a constructive conversation, where both parties can collaborate and find mutually beneficial solutions.
Succeeding Through Negotiation: The Importance of Understanding Interests
To succeed in negotiations, understanding the interests of both parties is crucial. Women can gather as much information as possible about salary ranges, industry standards, and the company's goals. By framing their negotiation in terms of interests, such as aligning their own objectives with the company's need for innovation or growth, women can demonstrate value and make a persuasive case. Recognizing that employers have an interest in retaining talented employees, women can negotiate from a position of confidence, knowing that their skills and contributions are valuable and that they have the option to explore other opportunities if needed.
Stacey Vanek Smith has reported on business and the economy for over 15 years now, first for public radio’s “Marketplace,” and as the host of Planet Money’s daily podcast “The Indicator.” Over that time, she’s seen the same barriers blocking advancement for women in the workplace again and again. Recently, she’s started to recognize that a lot of tools to move past those barriers can be found in the work of Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. Vanek Smith lays out these solutions in her book, Machiavelli for Women: Defend Your Worth, Grow Your Ambition, and Win the Workplace.