Work & Life, part 1

RACHEL FEINTZEIG spent 11 years obsessed with work, and says she’s picked up a tip or two as she wrote about careers and leadership. “Here’s the best of what I’ve learned,” she wrote by way of introduction to list of eleven pieces of advice. I hope you’ll find them as interesting as I did —

Get what you want You can ask for almost anything, it turns out. You might not get it. But if you do it right, it shouldn’t hurt you. Always have what William Ury—co-author of the negotiation bible “Getting to Yes”—calls a BATNA, or best alternative to a negotiated agreement. In other words, make yourself a solid plan B before you make an ask. 

If their answer is no, will you walk, focus on another project or start a side hustle? How good is the plan B compared to what you’re asking for? The more alluring the alternative, the more power you have in the negotiation. 

Think creatively. Do you need raise,  or do you need a more flexible schedule or an unpaid sabbatical? You’re not making demands, you’re starting a conversation.