If you're fortunate
enough to have a job, you want to do everything possible to solidify
your position in the organization and demonstrate your value to decision-makers.
Here's a proven
strategy almost everyone overlooks: ask your boss for a raise.
In fact, if you
handle the discussion properly, not only will your boss have greater
respect for you, you will be less likely to be fired or laid off!
As the author
concludes, "no one's going to give you the money you deserve,
unless you ask for it and explain why you deserve it!"
I also invite
you to read my article below, about how to make the greatest
impact during your first week on the job. Even if you've
been in your position for several years, you can still benefit from
these helpful tips.
How to make an impact while shaping the perceptions
of others.
The first few days on a new job can be hectic, stressful, and, at
times, almost overwhelming. But if you want to get noticed and get
ahead, you need to focus on the big picture and what's most important.
Build credibility
with your boss.
Set-up meetings with your boss to establish a clear understanding
of expectations so both of you are on the same page. Meet those
expectations and make sure you prove your value and worth early.
You want your boss to feel good about hiring you. Remember, one
of your first points of focus is to make your boss's job easier.
Focus on
your boss's most important priorities.
By understanding what is most important to your boss, you can prioritize
your work to accomplish that first. Your boss will gain immediate
confidence in your work and be excited by the future possibilities.
Identify
early wins that can be easily accomplished.
When you gain an early win, you help establish a positive perception
of yourself. You also show your peers, your boss and senior management
that you were a terrific hire and will help make your group and
the organization succeed.
Learn about
office politics.
Too often people join a company and are bombarded by the politics.
Don't get enmeshed in office politics; however, try to glean as
much as you can so you aren't negatively affected. Once you have
a clear understanding of the culture and politics of the company,
you can choose how best to navigate them.
Be prepared.
Since there are usually several days or weeks between when you accept
the job offer and show up at work, use this time productively. Become
more familiar with the company and its organizational structure.
Identify influential people in the firm so you can work toward establishing
relationships with them early.
Proactively
manage perceptions.
Spend some time in advance determining how you want to be perceived
by others in your new workplace. For example, complete these two
sentences: "I want my new boss to perceive me as _______, ______,
________, _______ and ________." "I want my new coworkers
to perceive me as ______, ________, _______, _______ and _______."
Then, after each day during your first week on the job, make a self-evaluation
to see how well you are measuring up to these goals.
EXECUTIVE COACHING: Garfinkle Executive Coaching provides individualized,
customized coaching to help you move to higher levels of leadership
by creating impact, exercising influence, boosting visibility and
achieving significant victories on key projects. http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/
CAREER COACHING: You spend one-third of your life at
work, so you deserve to feel fulfilled by it. Joel's unique 7-Step
Dream Job Process focuses first and foremost on helping you find the
perfect job that aligns with your passions and natural talents. http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching/career/
SPEAKING: Frequent speaker at keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars. He will energize your keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars with his compelling and inspirational speaking style.
http://joelinspirationalspeaker.com/
EMPLOYEE OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAM:This
proven 9-step program provides unique, personalized services to displaced
workers. Whether you are a manager on your first job or a seasoned,
high-level executive, you will receive intensive one-on-one attention
and support to help you move quickly and successfully through the
job search process. http://www.outplacement-firm.com/
