How to Get What You Want at Work
Negotiating and advocating for yourself in the workplace
What DO You Want?
Whether it’s a raise, promotion, the opportunity to learn new skills or take on a new project… one thing is for sure, you likely won’t get it unless you ask for it! In order to ask, you have to know what it is you really want!
Many people feel hesitant about advocating for themselves in the workplace, but time and time again, the most successful professionals prove to be those who confidently identify what they need and actively pursue it.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to get clear on what you want and how to effectively ask for it.
In all my work as a career and executive coach, one thing I know to be true is…
If you don’t actively choose the path you want, a path gets chosen for you.
For some of us, depending on who you are and where you’re working, that might work just fine! But for others, that can cause you over time to feel a lack of purpose, direction, and fulfillment in your work. It can lead to resentment because you feel your skills are being underutilized, or you’re not getting paid as much as someone else, or you’re not being offered new opportunities to advance your career.
More often than not, good things come to those who ask for what they want.
Reflection: Getting Clear on What You Want
Take a moment to reflect (bonus points if you write it down) on what you really want from your job/work life.
Is it:
More money?
Growth opportunities?
Freedom and flexibility?
Acknowledgement for your accomplishments?
Opportunities to learn new skills?
More time off?
More benefits?
Remote/hybrid working options?
Something else entirely?
Where do you see greater potential in what you’re contributing to your company and/or receiving from your company?
Now, Let’s Go Get It!
Don’t worry, I know it’s easier said than done. That’s why you have me.
Taking an intentional approach when asking for what you want can help to frame the conversation and make it more likely that you’ll get it.
Example: Let’s say you’re asking for a raise, more time off, or an opportunity to work remotely.
You want to first consider how you’ll professionally frame your request in a way that benefits the organization and backs your request with a solid reason.
You could:
Focus on data and results “In the last quarter, I increased sales by 20%, which brought in X revenue”
Focus on the more intangible benefits to the organization “If I’m able to work from home, I’ll be able to lead my team more successfully because I won’t be so exhausted from the long commute”
Emphasize future benefits and potential market value “If I learn this skill, I’ll be able to add an anticipated $X in revenue due to us being able to bring in a new offering”
When you show them how it goes beyond the cost, promotion, etc., and will be a benefit to the entire organization, they’re more likely to see your perspective. Bring in specific scenarios and examples whenever possible and make sure to highlight any initiative you’ve taken as well as how you also believe this will help the company and your career growth equally.
Getting What YOU Want is a Win-Win!
So often, the goals we have for our professional growth are marketable for our current company or will be marketable in the career we pursue in the future. If the former, there’s a good chance that they’ll help you acquire skills to achieve your goals. They can see the win-win.
But of course, there will be times when you need to pursue the skillset/education on your own. You may need to start looking for a job that offers you the position you’re looking for. You may need to find other ways to incorporate a work-life balance where it may not be given to you.
This is where you need to ask yourself how important this is to you and whether or not you’re willing to, and can afford to take an alternative route to get what you want.
As you start thinking about what you want, consider the steps you’ll take to ask for it. Then, start thinking through your backup plan in case your current employer isn’t ready to negotiate with you on it.
A Few Final Pointers
Here are some general tips for negotiating in the workplace so you’ll feel prepared and as comfortable and confident as possible in what can be a stressful situation for many.
Go into the situation with documentation of your accomplishments, contributions, and any necessary data
Know the market value for what you’re asking and how it benefits your industry/workplace
Timing is important! Schedule a specific time to discuss this, bring it up during a performance review or after a big win
Body language and communication is key. Be confident, but respectful. Practice active listening, and use you-centered language.
When What You Want Eludes You…
That’s where I step in! It’s normal not to be sure of what you want and/or unclear on the steps to get there. As a Career Coach, I offer you the professional guidance you need to navigate these conversations, advocate for yourself in the workplace, and map out your next steps to get to where you want to go in your career - even if it’s not sticking around with your current employer! If that sounds like support you could use, let’s connect!
What’s one conversation you can have this week to start getting what you want? I’d love to hear from you.
