Women Don’t Ask

Whether it’s a higher salary, much-deserved promotion, or more help at home, women find it hard to ask for what they want. They pay for this reluctance in every aspect of their lives—in lost income, slower career progress, barred access to leadership roles at work and health risks at home. 

Drawing on research in psychology, sociology, organizational behavior and economics as well as interviews with men and women from all walks of life, Women Don't Ask has become the essential go-to text for women seeking insight into their vexed relationship with negotiating and for businesses and institutions wanting to make their organization culture more accepting of women who ask. Forbes magazine included Women Don’t Ask in its list of “The 75 Smartest Books We Know.”

"Eye-opening and riveting."

— Virginia Valian, author of Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women

“A highly readable, thoroughly researched and important book.”

— Alan Krueger, The New York Times 

CONTACT:

Linda Babcock

sara laschever

CARNEGIE MELLON LEADERSHIP & NEGOTIATION ACADEMY FOR WOMEN

PROGRESS: EMPOWERING GIRLS & WOMEN

Ask for It

Women refrain from negotiating even when they know that negotiation is necessary to get what they want. Years of socialization have taught women the dangers of appearing “too aggressive” and their lack of experience makes them worry that they won’t negotiate effectively if they try.

Ask For It is designed to help women push back against these forces by teaching them to ask for what they want in ways that feel comfortable and do-able. Developed after years of real-world research, the book’s innovative four-step program guides women through the process of becoming more confident, savvy, and successful negotiators.

“Nice girls don’t ask, but smart women do. Ask For It provides the tangible tools and tips you need to get your fair share of the raises, promotions, and perks you’ve earned—and deserve.”

— Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office 

“Gives women a groundbreaking gift: the means to ask for what they’re worth...more pay, more status, more resources, more equitable treatment."

— Evelyn Murphy, President,  the WAGE Project