Reply To: How I negotiate as a woman and get what I ask for?

Thank you so much Harriet for this deeply reflective response. I felt both resonance and admiration while reading your words especially your emphasis on listening as the nucleus of negotiation. That image stayed with me. I truly believe that when we create spaces where others feel genuinely seen and heard, negotiation becomes less about “convincing” and more about co-creating. Like you, I also carry the principle of “seek to understand before being understood” into most of my conversations, it shifts the energy from power to partnership.
I really appreciate what you shared about truthfulness and authenticity building trust — that’s such an essential foundation. And you’re absolutely right, we may not always get what we want, but when we show up with presence and intention, we still walk away with something valuable.
Your reflection reminded me that negotiation, when done with care and courage, becomes a quiet form of advocacy — for ourselves and for the kind of leadership we believe in. Thank you again for sharing your strength and insight so generously. 💛