I want a raise

This message arrived early this morning as the thought for the day from the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

“Those who do no more than they are paid for have no real basis for requesting more pay because they are already getting all they deserve to earn.”

If you look around you, it will be apparent that there are two types of people in the world: There are those who say, “When this company decides to pay me what I’m worth, then I will do what they want me to do.” The second is the person who says, “I’m going to be the best I can be because that’s the kind of person I am. I also know that if I consistently give more than expected, I will eventually be rewarded for my efforts.” It is easy to see that the positive person contributes most to the organization. Yet, very few people are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve success. Make sure you’re a member of that group.

I know this may seem like a tough concept but the principle is pretty simple. If you stand in front of the wood-stove of life and say, “Give me some heat, and then I’ll put some wood in” you’re going to experience a long, cold winter. In real life, work is required before compensation is given.

• Expecting a guaranteed salary with benefits before proving your worth is an antiquated model. Be willing to prove your value with no guarantee – it will dramatically expand your opportunities.

• Expecting a raise because you’ve been there one more year is an antiquated model. In today’s workplace you get a raise when you add more value.

• Expecting a raise because your personal expenses have gone up is an antiquated model. Your personal obligations have nothing to do with your compensation.

Be clear on your value to an organization — and then negotiate a fair exchange.

You’re not smart enough for this…..?

In doing research on current job trends this week I came across this notice to job-seekers from probably the best-known outplacement firm in the country.   

”In order to enter one of our outplacement programs, we require sponsorship by an employee’s company. The reason we cannot accept people without corporate sponsorship is that we cannot overcome the awkward ethical/functional dilemma inherent in working with an ‘unsponsored’ individual. Good outplacement requires the freedom to counsel the client even when their wants conflict with their needs. In a ‘retail’ relationship, both parties are either consciously or subconsciously prone to define the client as a customer and therefore the ultimate arbiter of what is right or wrong tactically.”

It appears pretty obvious that they don’t expect you as a job-seeker to be qualified to be in the driver’s seat for any of the process of getting a new job.  So please allow me to interpret their message for you. 

To start with, you certainly can’t afford the $4000-$6000 we are going to charge your company to hold your hand in this process.  Secondly, you really aren’t smart enough to know what’s best for you.  And thirdly we are really good at simply duplicating the miserable life you had previously and don’t want to be bothered by taking the time to hear about your personal dreams and passions at this stage of your life.  We don’t have the experience or the inclination to help you create your own unique and perhaps non-traditional work path.  Don’t bore us with terms like personal fulfillment, finding your mission in life, or having work you love.  We’re pros at putting your behind in the next cubicle in this non-ending series of boring chapters in your life.

I certainly hope this approach would make you run the other way.  You most assuredly should be in the driver’s seat for any transition in your own job/life.  No one knows as much or cares as much as you.  Yes, you may be able to benefit from a coach but you don’t want an organization to take over and treat you like a robot.  85% of the process of finding proper direction and fulfilling God’s purpose comes from looking inward – only 15% from looking at work history and credentials.  Only you are qualified to see these subtle patterns that embrace your passions, your relationships, and the things that give you a sense of joy and meaning.  Don’t allow circumstances or a prescribed “outplacement” plan make decisions that you deserve to make.  Some fancy organization may be able to squeeze you into a “job” but they aren’t likely to help you create the “life” you want.