Get a Pay rise in 2007!
By CareersCoach Lisa O'Brien
Most of us are brought up to think that being the best at what we do is all it takes to be successful. In the workplace we assume that if we work the hardest and do the best job we will be the person who wins the job promotions and salary increases. Sadly, we are often disappointed when this does not happen.
Unfortunately being the best is simply not good enough! To win promotions and payrises you need to be both good at what you do, and good at selling yourself so that your employer and colleagues can see how good your really are, then reward you accordingly.
If you feel you deserve a higher level of pay, then implement the following eight steps and soon your biggest problem will be working out what to spend all of the extra cash on…
1. Look like the Star that you are.
Arrive at the office every day looking immaculate and ready to handle any business situation. Understand the organisational dress code and abide by it. As a general rule you can’t lose by wearing a suit to the office.
2. Stand up and be counted.
You would be surprised how many people who have received promotions actually volunteered for them. In many cases they even came up with the concept and sold it to management. If you are super enthusiastic and have an idea that is going to either raise or save money for the organisation, then it is going to be very hard for a manager to say no.
3. Don’t be modest.
Managers promote people who are valuable contributors to the organisation and who they can see will grow with the organisation. But don’t assume that your boss or teammates will know how much you are contributing to the team. You have to take an active role in telling them. If you are not comfortable selling/promoting yourself, then take yourself out of your comfort zone and get comfortable because if you don’t, you will keep missing out on opportunities.
4. Build a cheer squad.
Managers promote people who have a respected and valued profile within the organisation. Build a support network among your immediate team, management and other colleagues. Do this by being a team player and by supporting your teammates.
5. Learn from a success story.
Get a Mentor! A mentor is someone - ideally within the organisation - whom your respect and who has achieved a level of success. This person can help you in two ways… firstly because they have achieved success within your organisation, they know how it is done. Secondly they can promote your skills and attributes within the organisation because they have a vested interest in your success.
6. Shine every day.
If your employer appreciates star performers then be one. Do your job to the very best of your ability, no matter how small you may think it is. Always think about how your job fits in with organisational expectations. Consistently meet and exceed those expectations. And don’t forget to tell your manager when you do.
7. Know what matters to those at the top.
Observe those people in your organisation who keep getting promoted. Do they have any qualities or skills in common? If so then these are vital clues to what management values.
8. Have an open relationship with management.
Talk to management, tell them that you are ambitious and want to do your very best for the organisation. Ask them what you need to do to stand out to suceed within the organisation. Then do it!
Lisa is the Managing Director of www.CareersCoach.com.au, and the Author of:
CareersCoach Interview Coach
