Share this post:

Shark Tank is a new reality show in which entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to potential investors. There are five total investors or sharks, four men, one woman.  I am intrigued by how gender differences (as highlighted in the following clips) seem to inform or influence deal negotiations:

Clip 1:   Two female entrepreneurs are pitching a playpen cover called Coverplay. Their portion of the show starts at 30:37.  Notice the terms on which the male vs. females are willing to do a deal.  Not to say the female isn't tough, but even in driving a hard bargain, listen to how she thinks.  Who would you want as a partner?  Here's another example of her feminine style, a style you'll note rather befuddles the toughest of the male sharks.


Clip 2:  A male entrepreneur is pitching custom energy bars or Element Bars.  Female shark bows out early.  He negotiates hard.  Male sharks are eating out of his hand; he even jokingly offers him a job.  Would the male sharks have responded so warmly to a
woman with the same approach?  Would a woman have even negotiated?

Element bars

Clip 3:  Titled Pretty the female entrepreneur's product is good enough, but the male sharks are surprisingly eager, like sharks to the bait.  She doesn't ask (If women aren't asking for something, we are playing within societal norms of femininity), but situates herself such that the men ask.  As the sharks vie for her attention they in effect negotiate on her behalf.

Shark tank

What differences have you observed between the negotiating styles of men and women, including your children?

Having observed these differences, how can you use them to your advantage so as to get done what you need/want to get done in the world?

Whether in our business, civic or church communities, how do we
decide who gets 51%?  Or more broadly speaking who has ownership of a
project?  When we don't have control, how do we stay engaged?

Share this post: