I walked into the salary talk with a plan and a number I'd practiced. Then the manager leaned back, went quiet, and said the budget just isn't there. My heart started pounding and I heard myself start to cave before he even pushed. I had a strategy; what I don't have is the nerve to hold it when the room gets tense.
More people experience this than they realize.
You go in with a plan but fold the moment the pressure rises.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.