Writing for the New York Times, journalist Hannah Seligson muses on the reasons her female classmates went from being academic achievers to workplace drones. Even in the 21st century, she sighs, women still get stuck with coffee and note-taking duty.

But this young journalist is no fool.

First, she says, it’s okay to say no. Men are very comfortable with a direct and clear “No.” Often they don’t take it personally.

Actually, I have to add, men don’t take it personally because they often see “No” as the first step in the negotiating process, which is why we have so many he-said-she said sexual assault cases. It works in the workplace, though, when you’re negotiating salary. “No” often means, “Come back later with a new proposal.”

Second, she’s glommed on to a truth that eludes professionals and executives of both sexes who are twice her age and infinitely more experienced:

“The other dose of shock therapy I’ve undergone is reprogramming my brain to think that, yes, girls do brag. I’ve indoctrinated myself with the idea that my job is a two-part process. One part is actually doing the work and the second part is talking about it, preferably in bottom-line terms.”

I added the bold type. Whether you work for yourself or someone else, I recommend pasting this paragraph somewhere you can see it everyday (but hidden from everyone else in your business life.

This article is titled GirlPower but it’s really PersonPower. You can read the full story here.