Communicating Your Value
Kristi Hudson
In a new online master class presented by a fellow Mississippi girl, ABC's Robin Roberts, she discusses the importance of communicating your value in the workplace. It's not uncommon to feel uncomfortable about asking for a raise or a promotion, but by not asking for what you want, you get what you get. And often, what you get are feelings of under-appreciation that lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in dissatisfaction, neither of which will earn you points with the boss, or that raise or promotion. So, how do you communicate your value?
Be Prepared.
Before meeting with your boss, come prepared with ideas to help improve the practice. Know the practice goals, stats, areas where the practice may be falling short, and how you can change things for the better. Is there a product or service that has yet to get implemented in the practice? Volunteer to get it done and showthatyou can handlethe additional responsibilities. Be assertive in a polite and balanced way. Do not be apologetic or excessively grateful, which show a lack of confidence. (Resource Solutions, 2020)
Be Confident.
In today's economy, you have some negotiating leverage. Skilled candidates are scarce, and employers want to hire you or keep you on their team. Making a strong business case can show your employer how valuable you are to the clinic. (Domeyer, 2020) What have you done to reduce costs, improve productivity, or improve the patient experience? Don't assume that your boss has noticed these changes. This is the time to state your accomplishments and show your worth.
Be Objective.
You need to go to the meeting with a good idea of what you're worth. Don't negotiate for the sake of it, or to prove you can. Be objective when you are gathering information. This is not a bout you, but what you can do for the clinic and the owner. Working in the clinic for five years is excellent, but that does not entitle you to a promotion ora raise. Do your research and knowthe market salary for your position, benefits, etc.
No matter how the meeting ends, be polite, be sincere, and thank your boss for taking the time to meet with you. Sometimes we don't always get what we want and that's okay. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. However, do not issue an ultimatum as a way to gain leverage. You will be perceived as emotional or petty. Stay calm and professional. If you have done your homework and can show the positive impact you have had on the practice, and you present ideas on how to improve, your boss is much more likely to consider your increase in wages as an investment rather than an additional expense.
Kristi Hudson is a certified professional compliance officer (CPCO). She 1 serves as the Director of Business Relationships for ChiroHealthUSA where j she has helped to educate DCs and CAs on establishing simple and compliant financial policies. You can contact Kristi at 888-7199990 or [email protected], or you can visit the ChiroHealthUSA website at www.chirohealthusa.
