Many discussions about pricing and self-worth arise during seminars focused on profitable pricing and negotiation. Possessing the ability to value oneself, combined with strong negotiation skills, is essential for determining both your personal worth and the value that others attribute to you.
Society often measures value monetarily, such as through salary or business revenue. A survey revealed that over 65% of respondents believe there are disparities in how society values work performed by women, which is reflected in the earnings gap between men and women. Unfortunately, women sometimes contribute to this devaluation.
Consider a past job change, promotion request, or bid submission. When it was time to request the desired salary or fee, many women engage in what is termed the “psychological one-down.” They preemptively convince themselves they won’t get what they want, leading them to ask for less than they deserve or could potentially receive. This subtly communicates a lack of self-worth, influencing how society perceives their value.
To break this cycle, consider these strategies:
1. Assess yourself and identify your unique value proposition.
2. Identify necessary skills and dedicate time to practice them regularly.
3. Support other women by recognizing and valuing their contributions.
4. Eliminate negative self-talk and actively improve your self-esteem.
5. Treat yourself with the same respect and value you extend to colleagues.
Believe in your value, and others will follow suit.