Thanks to Sheryl Sandberg and other powerful females in business, we all hear that women should be “leaning in” to the corporate world. But what if you don’t exactly know what that means? Below is some guidance and reminders on how to handle situations in the workplace. These tips will help you push through that glass ceiling and excel in your career.

  • When you are negotiating, remember it’s a discussion. When you are preparing for negotiations it’s important to keep in mind that the point is not to blurt out a script of what you want and then clam up and wait anxiously to see if you get your prize. It’s also about listening and pivoting appropriately with the responses you receive. Because “No” can also simply mean “not right now,” you’ll want to ensure an appropriate response.

There are some lines that work best when it comes to asking for more money. Here are a few:

  • “I’d really like to work with you on this. What would be the best way for us to move forward?”
  • “I’m invested in helping the company grow. How can I take on more responsibilities that will expand my role?”
  • “What is your philosophy and practice on compensation, raises, and bonuses?”
  • “Would you agree that my contributions have added value to the organization?”
  • Make sure you are organized. Find a way that works for you to keep everything in order. Stick with a structured routine and consistency of how you conduct meetings, projects, and daily tasks. Being organized is a huge part of being professional in the workplace, so be sure to give your organizational habits the attention they deserve.
  • Learn to delegate. As you move up roles, it’s important to be able to delegate. If you aren’t able to do so, you wont have the time to properly lead a team because there is no way you can manage every little detail on your own. Make sure you are also giving regular feedback and making sure everything is running as smoothly as possible at all times.