In "Knowing Your Value," best-selling author and "Morning Joe" co-host Mika Brzezinski reflects on her own mistakes at the negotiating table and takes an in-depth look at how women today achieve their deserved recognition and financial worth.
Mika talks with Kathie Lee and Hoda about her new book.
Mika also discussed the book today on Morning Joe. Watch the clip HERE.
"There are a variety of reasons for gender inequality in the workplace," she writes in "Knowing Your Value." "Many of them are complicated, and some are not completely understood. But in sharing these cautionary tales and personal victories, research and anecdotal evidence, I hope women will learn something that helps them chart their own course."
Read an excerpt of the book HERE. To order the book, click HERE. To catch Mika on her book tour, check out this schedule.
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In the early 80's I went into law enforcement shortly after undergraduate college. Though my statistics where the highest on the force, I was passed up for higher ranks and specialized divisions. I was paid less because I was blatantly given the message that as a woman I was not as valuable as my male counter parts. Now I actively engage in the salary negotiation process. The last time this happened, a piece of paper was sliding to me across the table... I wrote a much higher figure and sent it back across the table. I works to advocate for your self worth in the work force. However, I did not get there until I found out that men were getting paid more then I was for doing the same job (even better) then they were!
Mika, here's what's coming, maybe you can prepare Joe for it.
Ayn Rand, the beloved philosopher of Ryan and the radical right, wrote a whole lot about how she admired a serial killer named William Hickman, who murdered a 12 year old girl in 1927. He was quite notorious, with many fans, including Ms Ayn, the great thinker. This story will not go away. After 4 years of mainstream media humoring right-wing narratives about Rev Wright and Hawaiian birth certificates, there's a brand new baby story in the Beltway, and he seems to have impressive legs!
How do I go about getting an autographed copy of your book? I think it would be a great anniversary present for my wife. In her career, Gail has worked for the Secret Service, the Crown Agency (England), and is now HR Manager of a small international company here in Ocala, Fl. I'll go ahead and buy her a copy now since our anniversary is June 7th but would love to add an autographed copy to her collection of books.
Sincerely,
Joseph Kinley
SCARBOROUGH: When he has time for you, just tell him to stop going around calling me a murderer or I‘m going to have to call my lawyers. Will you do that for me?
Where do I begin. I am a woman with a BA, MBA and JD. I work in the Securities Industry...yes, finance...the world from he!! for women. Talk about being under valued and under paid. Women in this industry work harder and will never get into the "boys club." For years I have said, I don't need your pat on the back, pay me like you pay my male counterpart...that will never happen.
Also, as for the question you asked on Morning Joe today, do you care if you are liked.....when I am asked that question my response has ALWAYS been: I'm not paid to be liked and its not my job to give you the warm and fuzzies....most laugh but I know the "powers that be" take issue with the confidence that I exude! Its such a shame. I feel as if I have wasted my talent and intelligence. Since the market is so tough I find its difficult to find a new company that is willing to pay for my level of education and experience. However, I never give up!!
I love the show- but, I don't understand how Mika missed the obvious answere to her book's main question. The main question at least on today's show asked why do women not rise to top positions as much as men?
Simple- There is a huge element of taking power to get to "high positions" and asking for "higher pay". And men are much more comfortable and skilled and getting and keeping power.
I'm not saying men are better then women - just different and maybe not as ruthless.
and what's even stranger- is that so many people mostly women (sorry but true) think you should get what you deserve in life.
Well I'm only 41 and I've found you don't get what you deserve in life- YOU GET WHAT YOU NEGOTIATE. How is it that I'm younger then Mika but retain more wisdom in this area.
I love love love Mika - but she is flirting with being a victim. But good for her for getting the debate going.
While I am thrilled by Mika's book, I am saddened by a couple of things: 1) I am 61, and fought for my place in the work world for years. It saddens me to think we still have to tell women to stand up for themselves. In the area of 40 somethings, it seems as if either they didn't have mothers who taught them their value, or they didn't hear it. and 2) It saddens me that even though Mika is working to know her own value, she still has the provocative, sometimes seductive shots of herself on Morning Joe. Mika in short shorts, posed to display assets. It is a bit of dichotomy to say value my skills, but let me show you figure.
A few days ago your show presented a gentleman who had a book about getting rid of the people in congress and the sentate because they are using their knowledge to get rich.
Can you give the name of that book.
Thanks,
Marjorie Gardner-Cruse
Oh, I watch your show every morning -- keep up the good work and good guest.
Dear Mika, I watch morning joe regularly and my overall observation is that you are exceptionally bright , charming, entellagent, and extreemly sexy woman, and if I win the power ball lottery I want to take you to breakfast in the wee hours of the morning. I plan to purchase your book asap. Keep up the good work. O and your co-hosts the're ok to. God Bless , your fan xoxxxo, clarence.
Mika, I just saw the Vanity Fair cover. This is just not right. Mika, what were you thinking?? You have written a book about women and how they need to be assertive and know their worth so they will be taken seriously and earn equal pay then you sit on a table, pucker up your lips as you glance over your shoulder at Joe, and throw your legs up in the air. NO NO NO -- I like the morning show and watch it everyday but sometimes I'm frustrated and annoyed that you meekly sit for long periods of time and say nothing as Joe bullys and interrupts the guests. It seems that your comments are mostly to agree or restate Joe's positions. Stop being so polite! Challenge your guests and call them when they make ridiculous statements like Chris Matthews did when he was on the show a couple of weeks ago. I watch to hear different viewpoints so I want the exchanges to be spirited. I don't want to watch screaming matches but I want to hear people defend their stances and if their defenses of those stances don't make sense I want them to be challenged. Also , I know it's supposed to be gentle teasing but frequently the guys on the set seem to make fun of you. if you are a serious journalist, you don't get 'teased' everyday. This should stop. They don't 'tease' Peggy Noonin or Margaret Albright or any of the other serious women.
Mika,
Can you tell me if this story is true. If you read it, you may find it interesting/provocative, but I have not been able to confirm its validity. Will you help?
A big fan,
Nan Conrey
Can you tell me if the story provided in the link above is true? We have not been able to confirm this story.
Regards,
Nan Conrey
House Republicans Have Military Mom Arrested for Supporting the Troops
By: Adalia WoodburySeptember 18th, 2012
I am sorry for the redundancy, I am not sure if you were able to read the link. The title to the article referenced in my previous messages is provided above. Do you know anything about this story?
Regards,
Nan Conrey
Dear Mika.
I'm a relatively new viewer of Morning Joe. I think the group you all have assembled works well - bouncing ideas and perspectives off each other. I enjoy the banter - when it's intelligent...... I find Joe somewhat annoying at times - letting his exuberance overshadow good manners - by constantly interrupting his guests - and in his attitude with you.
Since I'm not a long time viewer -- I haven't been able to get a sense of who YOU are -- you are always so quiet and pensive. But where are your ideas; your viewpoints?? I sense you are a brilliant woman with a great sense of self - which you advocate for all women - but where is YOUR input on the show? I'd love to hear what you think about the important issues of the day. But all you do is fend off insults from Joe, or take the lead in 'soft' interviews. I think you're being wasted.
I want to hear your Voice!! Please, open up.......this stoic stance you take ---- is growing old. Don't let the men overpower you, as they are doing. I'm an admirer - so please take this as a complement and 'constructive' criticism.....not a cheap shot.
I look forward to getting to know the 'real' Mika!!
Mika,
I really like the show when it's just you and the others without Joe. The show is always so much better when Joe isn't there making his obnoxious comments about the President. I also really think it's ashame the way he seems to shut you down whenever you comment on something or disagree with him. He reminds me of Rush Limbaugh when he goes on the attack. I tune in every morning but I turn the channel when I see that Joe is there. If you ever decide to leave and go to another show where you will be appreciated (or perhaps given your own show) and allowed to speak your mind without someone jumping down your throat, I'd follow you. Morning Joe will lose a lot of followers if you leave and I hope the show's producers realizes that. In any case, I wish you the best and hope that things get better around there for you.
P.S. I was watching this morning and I was not pleased with the way the guys seem to just overlook what you had to say. They only seem to act that way when Joe is there. I don't know how the show has lasted 5 years with him on it.
I love the show and all of you that are on it. It shows both side of the coin and Joe seems to be coming around and seeing Romney as flawed and incapable of being President of this beautiful country of our. I hope all of you will take the time to view this video via the link I'm sending you. It is a bit rough but spells out a lot of things in plane English...well song. Enjoy.
Gary
Mika, Oops...forgot the site on my last posting...vimeo.com/48155075
Gary
I heard the "Job Creator" cop out again this morning. Will someone there please bring up the following: The "Job Creators" have been sitting on a reported two trillion dollar surplus and their excuse is the "lack of certainty". How many more trillions are they going to require before they put that money back into circulation?
Will someone on that show please AT LEAST bring this reality up for discussion ???
I am living in France for a year and I stream msnbc. I have watched msnbc and all the shows, Chris Matthews, Al Sharpton, Rachael Maddow etc. for 4 years now. I watched msnbc when I was in the US too. I love the network and the shows. It is so great to have an alternative to right-wing media nuts. However, I have tried to watch "Morning Joe" so many times and Mika "what is wrong with you? You have Joe and your guests putting out all kinds of lies and you just sit there and let them get away with it. When you do try to assert yourself, you always back down. I get so frustrated with you. You are a well-informed, intelligent and strong woman yet you don't stick up for the other side. I cannot see Rachael Maddow and other female commentators on the other shows letting Joe and his guests get away with anything. It seems like you are just there as arm candy, a pretty face. and I know there is more to you than that. It seems like you are afraid to confront these people on anything. I end up watching for a few minutes, thinking maybe this time you will show some backbone and yet, you hmmm and hawww around the issues, trying to change the subject. I end up turning the show off. I know that the show cannot be all about arguing and it is a show for ideas. But, where are yours? You appear very weak and I do not believe you are that. I know Joe is a "strong" personality, but so are you. At this point, you seem very ineffectual. I hope 2013 will bring out the more confrontational side to you. We, as progressives, have a lot of battles ahead of us with this right-wing- nut- do- nothing congress, I hope that in the future you will become more of a voice for democrats on the show and start to assert yourself. I will continue to watch the other shows on msnbc, and will check back once in a while to see if you have taken more of a more active role in joining the debates. Thank you for letting me give my opinion and I wish you luck with your book and the show.
So I guess according to the immigration topic, we need these people to give them jobs in the US. What's wrong with giving Americans job.
So political leaders represent aliens over Americans, and serve the rich to destroy and want to kill off the middle class, so the rich can get richer.
When is slavery going to be opposed in this country. It seems geared up for just that purpose.
Tell jOE
He's more of assssss holeeeee now then he's ever been
What I find so discerning about this "great" gun debate, is that the media can be so easily used to spread this great lie! I don't own guns, and I am not particularly a purponant of the NRA. But I am a Big Believer in our Constitution!! Something that most of U critics have probably never read! I keep hearing people compairing drivers licenses and the right to bear arms as being the same THEY R NOT THE SAME!!!! Driving is called a PRIVELAGE! The Right To Bear Arms is A RIGHT!!! Protected by our Constitution that most of U have never read! I commend all the Senetors who voted against this Bill, because to vote for it, would be in direct violation of the Constitution! Our House Reps, our Senetors, and our Presidents all take an Oath The Oath taken is to Defend and Protect the Constitution of the USA!!! NOT TO CHANGE IT, to follow the whims of hurting people. Everywhere where guns have been restricted in this Country; gun violence has increased. Everywhere that gun laws have been relaxed in this Country, gun violence has decreased. If U want to stop the Gun violence, U R Going To Have To Change The Way That U Think! The solution is not to restrict guns! The solution is in finding a different means to stop these Kids from getting hold of guns. Many of these school shootings have one thing in common. The Kids got those weapons from their Family members or friends. They r the ones responsible for securing those weapons, and they r the ones that should be held responsible for not doing so! It is time for all the News Agencies to start being impartial, and just report the new, and not try to sway the news for their own Agendas or Ratings!!!! U r just adding to the problem!! God Bless!!