Negotiation tactics for women

First, the good news: the pay gap between what men and women earn for comparable work is narrower than it used to be. Now, the bad news: women still earn only $.77 for every dollar earned by men in comparable jobs. A New York Times article suggests that even after you adjust for differences in women's career paths, such as taking time off for child rearing, there's still a gap. But hope is not lost. The article also describes some ways that women might negotiate for raises that are different than successful strategies used by men. For example, frame a request for a raise as a team-aware request, by explaining how it will benefit either your work group or the organization as a whole. Think about how schedule flexibility might work for both the employer and the employee. You knew there was a difference between men and women, but put that difference to work and see what you get.

Learning from greatness

On May 13, 1940 [big hint right there] who famously uttered these words? I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. I won't make you guess - Winston Churchill, in a speech to Parliament the day he took over as Prime Minister. His predecessor, Neville Chamberlain, was loved and admired, and his support was mildly enthusiastic at best. It was the beginning of the British involvement in World War II, and this was part of his attempt to muster support for the cause. Many years later, this is considered a great speech. Read the entire text of it here.