Man Up: How To Stay A Lady But Act Like A Man On The Job

Ask For What You Want

Men tend to ask for what they want. And women think this is pushy. But it is necessary in the business world. “From a young age, girls are taught to be compliant and not too demanding,” Sara Laschever, coauthor of Women Don’t Ask, tells Woman’s Day.

But being demanding can lead to backlash for women.

“Even when we try, we’re branded as high-maintenance, unlikable and not a team player,” adds Emily Amanatullah, PhD, assistant professor of management at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. “Men, however, get positive feedback for putting themselves forward.”

So practice asking for what you want in a calm, relaxed, natural manner. Says Laschever, “Unfortunately, style is critical for women. You still have to come across as upbeat and likable, no matter what you’re asking for.”