"Life is Negotiable" is the perfect title for the book by Babcock. It is based on research that shows that men initiate negotiations four times more often than women. Women must learn to ignore their own inner voices and take the initiative to negotiate. Women must learn to communicate what they want and need instead of listening to their imposter syndrome. They must also be willing to compromise. Babcock explains that "nothing in life is set in stone. Everything is a negotiation."
Whether it is a garage sale discount, home loan interest rate, or a salary and benefits package, almost anything in life is a negotiation. A phrase of wisdom, "if you don't ask for it, you won't get it," holds true for everything from a home loan rate to a car loan. And it's true for the same thing in life. "You don't get what you don't ask for" is true for virtually everything.
We engage in negotiations all day and night. In business, we negotiate on everything from hiring and firing people to setting deadlines and collecting fees. In negotiations, we align business strategy, enlist stakeholders, and create joint ventures. Negotiation is the essence of life. You make offers, accept counteroffers, stall for time, and settle. But all this negotiable activity is not only important but can make our life more fulfilling.
The third phase of the negotiation textbook focuses on choosing the right target, deciding when to make the first offer, and identifying the optimal time to ask for something. One of the key negotiation strategies, called the cooperative approach, is to broaden the pie and avoid making an offer that is worth more than you can realistically expect. As women, you can effectively negotiate on behalf of others, which will give you more leverage. And don't forget that women negotiate better than men!
When negotiating with someone, don't act like Erin Brockovich! If you act like Gordon Gekko, you'll end up with an unsatisfying outcome. Life is a negotiation, and it's important to enjoy the journey. When you fight, you complicate matters and create tension. Instead, consider how much better a relationship can be when both parties compromise and negotiate. That way, you can build a stronger bond with each other, and you'll reduce conflicts and keep everyone happy.