Welcome to the Tero August eZine
October 4, 2014 turned out to be an interesting day for Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. When asked to give advice for women who are afraid to ask for a raise (while presenting at a computing conference attended by 7500 female engineers) he suggested they work hard and trust karma. As you can imagine this advice, in an age of documented social, economic, political, and cultural issues affecting how women are perceived and misperceived in the workplace, didn't go over too well.
Most of us would agree cause can influence effect (karma), yet given the business landscape peppered as it is with gender ridden landmines, just trying hard and waiting for someone to notice is not enough.
Unfortunately, neither is just asking.
In a perfect world, productive work by males and females would be equally noticed and rewarded. In a perfect world, women and men would feel correspondingly comfortable and competent asking for a raise or promotion if there is due contribution meriting one.
The question asked of Nadella, as well as the answer, reveal what we already know.
It is not yet a perfect world in the work place for women… or men, or anyone for that matter.
Nadella apologized a few days later, stating he realized his answer didn't include that he supports programs to close the pay gap between men and women. He made it clear he should have said when women think they deserve a raise they should just ask for one. He obviously in the aftermath of his initial remarks became conscious of the fact karma may be skewed due to gender. But did he realize the advice to "just ask" might be as well?
In 2016 it is commonly cited that:
- Women don't ask
- Women should ask
- Women have to be careful how to ask
- Woman’s risk in asking might be greater than the benefit - if the ask doesn't go well.
Obviously, the issue is complicated for everyone involved.
This month we explore the interpersonal skills inherent in communicating value which could mean asking for a raise, asking for an opportunity, or for feedback. The struggle with how to approach these communications well is a real one. The consideration around effectively recognizing and communicating our contribution in the workplace is not just a need for women, but is essential to all of us. Being knowledgeable and thoughtful around pay disparity benefits everyone and is a responsibility of everyone.
Our Q and A provides guidance on how to ask and also negotiate. The article explores and informs on the complex and real landscape of pay disparity. The development activity tackles how to communicate your value on a daily basis- in workplace meetings. The resources engage us in examining self-talk and its effect on success, aligning expectations with reality and tips and considerations when promoting your value.
Whether you are trying to communicate your value, leading someone who is contributing value, attempting to understand how to be more conscious of equality or just needing to be inspired to achieve goals, this month's eZine edition is for you.
How Do I Go From An Average to Great Negotiator?
This video is part of the Tero Tips series. Be sure to subscribe for a new video every Tuesday.
Gender Pay Disparity: Women Don't Negotiate!
by Harwant Khush, Ph.D., Research Consultant, Tero International
14 Myths About How to Give a Great Presentation
Ro Crosbie, President of Tero featured in a recent Inc.com publication.
Ask Tero - Negotiating
We explore how you can master your negotiating skills in a variety of scenarios.
IowaBiz Leadership Blog - 10 Guidelines For Improving Meeting Effectiveness
by Ro Crosbie, President of Tero
Inspiration - Path to Success
The real path to success does not lie outside you in the next raise, opportunity or position.
Public Influence: How To Achieve Winning Outcomes Workshop
What would it mean to you to be more influential in your current role? Join us on September 20-21.
Tero Tips Video Playlist
Watch all the 1-2 minute videos we've released so far as part of our weekly video series.
2016 AIA Iowa Convention Keynote
Carlos Alvarez will be speaking at the 2016 AIA Convention on Presenting with IMPACT on September 23.