Chapter 1

Why Push Back?

Last fall, I stood before hundreds of women, presenting a workshop on negotiation skills. The scene was the Pennsylvania governor's conference for women, an event that brings together 4,500 women from around the world, with the aim of promoting gender balance in leadership and facilitating rousing debates, discussions, and learning. The promise of my session was similar to that of this book: to give attendees techniques to maneuver through tough bargaining conversations—techniques they could use in all areas of their lives.

The women who attend this conference are extremely bright—most hold advanced degrees and are very successful professionally. They are also engaged, vocal, and motivated when it comes to shaping the ...

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