When Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" discovered her salary was a mere 7 percent of what the network was paying co-host Joe Scarborough, she thought it was only fair that she get a raise. But her overtures to network executives failed. What finally worked was asking in a confident, straightforward way and being ready to walk.
"I went in there knowing I was valued and knowing it was up to me to get the network to value me, too," Brzezinski writes in her new book, "Knowing Your Value: Women, Money and Getting What You're Worth."
The whole concept of workplace worth is scary to many people. Yet it's what separates the successful and well-paid from those who stagnate and remain undervalued.
As the economy shows signs of rebounding, we all want 2012 to be the year we not only know our value but increase it. The more power and money you earn, the greater ability you have to control your own work schedule and career direction. In the year ahead, employers beware: 24 percent of workers plan to ask for a raise, bonus or promotion, and 41 percent expect to get one, an Adecco Staffing survey shows. Experts say there are myriad ways to get your employer and customers to give you deserved recognition and financial worth:
Come up with a plan. Lauren Zander, chairwoman of The Handel Group, an executive and life coaching firm, advises against waiting around for "the company" to recognize your worth. Create a plan with your boss that outlines how to move up or get a bonus.
Learn a skill that's in demand. As we have learned, value is about supply and demand. Personal branding expert Dan Schawbel said you want to become the expert in a specific skill or topic that co-workers and managers need to tap. "You get bonus points if it's a skill that is important to the company and you are known for it within the organization," Schawbel said.
Expand your circle. Most of us don't care for office politicking. But to be valued, you need friends in every department of your company and in the business community.
Zander recommends visits to your office lunchroom. "Make it a goal to meet two new people. Ask them questions and show interest."
You will also want to approach people outside the company doing what you'd like to be doing and ask them how they got there.
