The Power of Negotiation and Self-Advocacy in Career Growth
Over the course of my career in talent acquisition, I have come to see negotiation not just as a skill, but as a powerful form of advocacy for others and myself.
From navigating unfair job titles for candidates, to reshaping the perception of my own firm’s value, to finding balance in my personal life, I have learned that effective negotiation starts with knowing your worth and having the courage to communicate it.
Throughout my years in the talent acquisition industry, I have learned that effective self-advocacy often begins with advocating for others, especially when it comes to securing job titles that align with responsibilities. One of the most frequent challenges I observed is when candidates are offered roles with titles that do not reflect their experience or peer level. In these situations, I anchor the negotiation around two key questions: Is this candidate part of the executive leadership team? And will they feel valued if their title does not align with those of their peers? By framing the conversation around fairness and internal alignment, I have been able to successfully negotiate titles and compensation that is consistent with the position.
Over the past 20 years of building SAY Group into a highly sought-after talent acquisition and recruiting firm, one of the most valuable lessons I learned is the importance of recognizing and asserting your worth.
Early on, we were seen as the “affordable option” in the industry. But as our services evolved and our expertise grew, I realized that we were not being compensated for the value we brought to the table. That realization sparked a strategic shift in how we negotiate our own deals. Today, we clearly communicate with clients the full scope of our offerings, with consulting now established as a separate, billable service. This clarity has fueled growth, safeguarded our intellectual property, and solidified our standing as a premium, white-glove firm.
Negotiation also plays a key role in achieving work-life balance. This is something I have to actively manage in every stage of life I found myself in … from raising young kids to now supporting college-aged children and aging parents. I have learned to negotiate in three key areas to be able to have the thriving life I want for myself:
- With myself: Letting go of the need to control every little thing. Women often put pressure on themselves to manage it all, but learning to let go is essential to staying sane.
- With my employees: I make it a point to delegate tasks clearly and then move on, trusting that my team will handle it. This has been a game-changer in managing my workload.
- With my husband: Since he travels frequently for work, we have had to negotiate how we share household responsibilities and family care.
Whether you are negotiating a job title, a contract, or simply carving out time for yourself, the ability to advocate for yourself and for others is one of the most powerful tools you can develop for lasting success. We can all find success when it is grounded in the belief that advocating for fairness, alignment, and balance can unlock opportunities that benefit everyone involved.
Ready to Get Started?
We understand the extensive resources involved in a job search, which is why we treat every recruiting opportunity as if it were for our own company. Let’s begin this Human Capital Partnership together and trust SAY Group for all of your hiring needs.
