You should always negotiate for better compensation and push to achieve that next leadership role at every opportunity, right? In episode five of Around the Circle, Women in Retail Leadership Circle’s Ashley Chiaradio and Kristina Stidham share negotiation tips from two articles recently published for members on our site, written by WIRLC Board Member Sam Norpel. Let’s start with what you need to know about negotiating for yourself. For her top negotiation tips, Sam suggests you:

  • Always negotiate your compensation package. When you get that offer, don’t accept it right away. Take a few days and come back with a counteroffer.
  • Frame your negotiation in a “I-We” context. You can frame your negotiation in a way that puts the company first and presents the value you bring to the organization.

In her second members-only article, Sam warns against negotiating when it may not be in your best interest. So often we want to be promoted to the next job title or higher salary bracket, yet we haven’t proven first that we can actually do this new job. She also warns about being overpromoted. Let’s say you negotiate to that higher title and salary, and in good faith your leader promotes you. What happens if your performance doesn’t match the new requirements?

Both of these articles provide excellent tips on navigating the art of negotiation. Women in Retail Leadership Circle members can read all of Sam Norpel’s negotiation tips and tricks in her full articles, “Everything You Need to Know About Negotiating (for Yourself)” and “When Negotiating Isn’t a Good Idea.”