Do You Know What You’re Worth?

By Ann Yaggie, Certified Coach & Executive Consultant

In a world of uncertainties and an depressed economy, we have all learned that our employment is not something to take for granted. This having been said, I am not advocating that you head out the door every day at 5 am, work like a dog until 6 pm, and then respond to emails at night and over the weekend. Rather than reacting to current economic instability with an unhealthy life/work balance, consider improving your understanding of your skills, and your ability to relay these skills.

Increased knowledge of your skills and your ability to relay these skills results in:

• Less stress
• A sense of achievement
• Increased job security
• The ability to relay personal worth
• The ability to pinpoint contributions
• Improved leadership
• The self-esteem necessary for real innovation

There are 3 distinct steps to the process of improving your ability to acknowledge and relay your own skills at work.

1. Improve Self-Awareness: Understanding your skills requires reflection and an open mind (and ears). Instead of rushing from task to task in an attempt to prove you contribute, schedule some time to consider all of the achievements you already have under your belt. What skills do you have that allowed these successes to occur? Soliciting the input of others such as colleagues, previous employers, working with a coach, or participating in a social style assessment will greatly aid you in this process. Interested in learning how coaching recently changed the life and career of an Operations Director? Click here for her story. 
2. Determine Brand YOU: You know what you’ve done, but what do you want to be known for? Look to past achievements that demonstrate your desired brand. You will probably discover that a lot of the things you are overwhelmed with trying to accomplish have already been achieved. But how will you be able to realize these achievements if you don’t take the time to review your work and reflect on your impact?
3. Prepare for Delivery: You understand the skills you bring to the table. You also understand how these past achievements demonstrate the skills that create your personal brand and make you a crucial member of your organization. All that’s left is to consider how and when you can deliver this knowledge. Look for opportunities to demonstrate your skills. Volunteer for projects that allow you to use your skills or take advantage of a performance review to relay your message.

If you take the time to determine your brand, understand your past achievements, and improve your delivery of these things, you’ll benefit in and outside of work. You will also benefit from an improved sense of internal (YOU know what you’ve got to offer) and external (you relay your value with confidence) sense of security.

Are you interested in a helping hand when it comes to strategically crafting and relaying your personal brand and skills? Contact Ann today!

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