Top 5 Tips To Show Your Employer “You’re Worth It”
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
How many times have you been in the situation where you wished you were in a new job or up for that new promotion but found yourself unsure of how to bring it up to your employer or supervisor? If you’re like many of the employees I’ve spoken with over the years, then the number of people raising your hand is pretty high! At some point, the truth is that all of us start to question whether or not the company truly values you and the skillset that you bring to it. This is not a wonderful feeling and can sometimes lead to rushed or hurried changes to find the worth we believe we are owed.
In today’s article, I wanted to share five tips that may help you show your company or manager your worth.
Put it in your annual review
In December of 2020, I wrote an article on preparing for your year-end review. While year-end reviews can seem cumbersome, I believe they provide an excellent opportunity to share your successes. There are a lot of reasons why keeping tabs on your accomplishments throughout the year are helpful. We tend to think we’ll remember all the details throughout the year, but I’ve found that if I don’t write it down, I can miss some key accomplishments. I’ve also found that I tend to focus on what’s most recent vs. what may be most relevant. If my most significant achievement of 2020 happened in February of 2020, is there a good chance that my manager or I have forgotten all about it due to COVID? Of course, that’s possible. Taking a few moments to review my notes, summarize them at the end of the year, and share with my manager, provides a great opportunity for me to show my worth.
Speak the language of business
I work in Human Resources, and one of the things we are continually trying to show in my function is how we drive value in the organization? Why is this important? First, the language of companies is money and profit. Companies are looking to provide products and services to customers that they are willing to pay for. To do this efficiently and effectively, there are several processes and functions that exist. In Sales, it’s easy to see the value created as there is a direct link to the customer. In Supply Chain, you can show the savings or efficiency derived from process improvements. In HR, there is a cost of employee turnover, but there is also a benefit to talent development. The latter is sometimes more challenging to show in the language of business (i.e., money). However, regardless of your function, take the time to show the positive financial impact you’re making to the organization. It will go a long way toward demonstrating your value.
Make your supervisor look good
This one may seem a bit childish, but over time I’ve found it has been true for successful employees. Do you remember when the teacher would call on the student who raised their hands and knew the answer in grade school? That student made the life of the teacher easier in some aspects. The teacher didn’t need to embarrass the student who was not prepared or guess who wanted to answer. And the student who raised their hand was called a “do-gooder” – as if that was a bad thing! Well, in today’s world, the “do-gooder” employee that makes his or her supervisor look good, is driving value. Have you ever been in the situation where you get a clap on the back or congratulations for a job well done only to realize you have other people to thank? The truth is, we all want to be recognized in some way. When we are, the good supervisors are quick to call out the employees who made it possible. If they reflect on their success and you’re consistently the reason, you are driving value. I’ve seen countless situations where a leader leaves and then hires their former employee into the new company or position – because they drive value. They make the leader look good.
Be in demand
Okay – this is a tricky example because it’s been a while for me, but waaaaaay back in the day when I was dating, I observed an interesting phenomenon. We’d be at a party or club, and a person would be on the dance floor by themselves. People watching would sometimes laugh or call them crazy because they were dancing by themselves and wouldn’t pay any attention. However, if one person joined them, the other’s interest was piqued. If two or three more people joined them, all of a sudden the person was interesting! Your career can operate in the same way. If you do a good job, but no one is talking about you, you might go unnoticed. However, if multiple people are espousing your virtues and talents to others, people start to take notice. I’ve found that the best way to be “in demand” is to do a great job at what you do and be passionate.
Have a job offer
This is a simple as it gets. If you want to show others how “worth it” you are, having a job offer from another business or company will often do the trick. It’s along the lines of the last example but very much focused on your career. It’s not uncommon for employees and employees to be on different timetables regarding career development or timing. Even if you are doing a good job, making your supervisor look good, etc., it is still possible that you may be overlooked or not fully appreciated. Having a job offer can be reaffirming. It can also help your company realize the value of your contributions more fully as there is a risk that they may lose you.
Summary
If you start with the premise that “You’re Worth It!” then it’s reasonable to take steps to show your business or supervisor why you’re worth it. While the steps above are certainly no guarantee that your value will be fully realized, I have found that over time, taking these steps goes a long way toward shining a lot on your contributions. Good luck!
Coach Ha-Keem
You’re Worth It!
For more tips, check out my book, “You’re Worth It! Navigating Your Career in Corporate America,” or go to my website, CoachHa-Keem.com.
