Putting your stake in the ground

Women tend not to ask for what they need, but they should. Though it’s difficult at first, it is worth taking the time to cultivate this skill.

• Make it a point to identify things that will help you be more successful, then go after them, tactfully, but directly.
• Cull tentative, qualifying phrases (e.g., “I’m not really sure, but you could try it this way,” or, “Now, I’m not an expert, but …” or, “I think this is a good idea — do you?”) from your speech and monitor your inflection to make sure your statements are statements (not questions).
• Don’t let fear keep you from making requests.