Blog

Essays on creative leadership,
culture, and the human side of work.

Published weekly, with an original illustration. Two series: Becoming and Advisory Notes.

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Bargaining, Emotions, gender, Harassment, Male Privilege, Nail It Weekly 5 minute read

This story describes how sexual harassment plays out differently in the workplace depending on which gender is on the receiving end. These experiences showed me, again, how the power of male privilege shapes expectations and outcomes. It was the final stretch of what had been a long, competitive battle. One final dinner, with the prospective…

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Drawing of two people shaking hands

Bargaining, Business, Creative, Economy, Emotions, Fast Company, Nail It Weekly, Negotiation 5 minute read

When presenting freelance rates, remember to talk about the value you bring to the table. Your expertise came at a cost and it is part of your overhead.

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Bargaining, Fast Company, Price Pressure 6 minute read

Elliot’s biggest client, Monstrous, was rapidly expanding into the U.K. and Europe. Elliot had noticed accounting issues with them lately. Nothing huge, just some sloppiness — they’d misplaced a couple of invoices, and once they’d paid a single invoice twice. So he was glad to hear they were hiring a chief financial officer. He’d enjoyed…

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view into a meeting room window with people at a conference table

Bargaining, Business, Fast Company, Negotiation, Price Pressure 5 minute read

You’ve started the project but now the client wants to change the budget. Here’s how to proceed when you can’t back out or change the project direction.

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Bargaining, Negotiation 4 minute read

We tend to talk when we’re stressed. But talking too much prevents us from listening. Here’s how to channel your anxiety into negotiation success.

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Bargaining, Business, Creative, Negotiation, Price Pressure 6 minute read

You’ve worked with a client to define the project scope, but now there’s pressure to cut your price. Here’s how to keep the contract on your terms.

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Bargaining, Business, Creative, Negotiation 4 minute read

How do you handle it when you — and your emotions — are at the negotiating table? My approach helps creatives regain control in meetings.

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