One topic I discuss quite often in conversations with young professionals centers on trajectory. In most cases, exceptional work (either performance or ethic) aren't quite seamlessly recognized in congruence with their salary or title. Each situation is unique, and that's important to hit upon right away, but I've found a few pieces of advice to resonate best for those I work with on this very relatable issue:
1. If you don't raise the issue...no one else is going to on your behalf.
Every company (at least those publicly listed) succeeds or fails on a single ideology - making the most while expending the least. By design, success therefore equates to paying each individual the minimum. What that doesn't mean = they don't have the money, capacity, or ability to pay an employee what they're worth. What it does mean = they have no reason to pay employees more than they themselves propose. If there isn't a perceived problem, they have no incentive to create one for themselves.
2. The power of perception - the difference between "whining/difficult" and "focused/assertive" are entirely biased and almost always lie with the fashion in which your message is crafted.
We all know them. The peers who, like clockwork, address their expectations. So bold. So unaware socially. Of one's place and where they should fall in the hierarchy. The secret? These are rarely the hardest workers in the room. They're just the ones unaffected by the thoughts of others, and unwilling to miss out on what they believe to be their share of the winnings. One area I'm most passionate about working with clients on is helping them fashion the most clear, fact-based, market driven presentation of 1) the value they bring to the company and 2) how best a company can acknowledge, bring into balance, and even further reward them as a result, so as to entice them to stay.
Collecting your thoughts, and advocating for your own worth is essential to your mental health and upward mobility with a company. Most want to see if you're capable of pressing the issue. So don't shy away. Lean into the discomfort, especially when the leverage is on your side. Timing is always a factor, but I don't believe it to be the most important. When the advantage lies with you - perhaps from a recent win, successful venture, harrowing project that seemed impossible to others, etc. - it is imperative to seize the moment, and unapologetically assert the undeniable value you just so clearly demonstrated for all to see.
I prefer to let my work speak for itself the vast majority of the time, but when I hit a home run in a big moment when everyone's eyes are on me - it's simply a disservice to miss such an opportunity to increase exposure with your manager (i.e. I know my worth, I know you know my worth in light of recent events, let's make sure we're on the same page and if we're not then let me share the page number for reference) and if nothing more begin the conversation preemptively (some companies change pay scales 2x a year, award certain titles on a more formulaic basis, etc - so it's imperative know these timetables and to get ahead of them and cement your place in the minds of these decision makers).
You know your peer(s) is going to be making the rounds...don't miss your shot when the moment is right and you've got all of the momentum on your side.
3. Collect your thoughts in a clear and concise data driven manner, and execute.
Emotions and feelings have no place in this conversation. You want more money, a different title, transparent upward mobility? You have to fight for it. You have to negotiate. The best way to accomplish your goal on this matter, is to let facts speak for you. Let them lead the conversation in such a way that your manager has no rebuttal but to acknowledge the points you've made, the imbalance between the value you add to the company and the compensation / title you currently hold.
This isn't a you vs. them moment. It's simply an opportunity to discuss what I assert with clients to be one of the most satisfying topics - you. Talking about yourself is one of the most stimulating topics on a natural, even neurological level. Its science, and it has no translation in this setting with how humble or alternatively self-obsessed you might be IRL. We're conditioned at a young to accept the things we're given. This is especially true of women. To keep our heads down and work. To not question, to not ask for more, because X, Y and Z will come...in due time. But nothing in life is designed to just show up on your doorstep. You have to open the door, put the work in, and then refuse anything less than your worth in exchange.
It's not personal. It's just business. Don't forget that, because your company won't, and at the end of the day your assertion on this front simply equates to playing the game they created. It doesn't always resolve immediately. But wars are compiled of a series of battles. Each singularly important to the overarching campaign. Don't be afraid to fight them, by the prospect of falling short. And if at the end you learn that your worth to the company you're negotiating with doesn't align, it's important to know how far you're willing to go, what you're willing to walk away from, or what you're willing to settle for. No judgement. Only facts. Both those inside your head and outside. Because without those, you're not coming fully equipped for the conversation at hand. You're not fully prepared to make your case. There are enough squeaky wheels out there. Be the one who's words hold more weight, so that when these conversations arise, you're heard.
Bottom-Line: I've been here. I've done this, and now I want to help you navigate towards whatever your desired outcome.
If you would like to arrange an initial session to build out a strategy on how best to advocate for a raise or promotion together, please reach out to us at optimistlivingwithemily@gmail.com and we will find time to connect!
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