One of the ways in which I intend to use this website is to chronicle my experiences as a youngish professional: stories, mistakes, successes and what works/what doesn’t. And, of course, what I’m reading along the way.
I’ve had a pretty wild ride in my first year in a leadership position. Before I took the role, a couple of people in my department were secretly planning to leave and start a directly competitive company- and they had asked me to join them. I declined and then got promoted. Naturally, this caused some tension and uncomfortable conversations. I struggled with whether loyalty in this context meant loyalty to the company- and telling my bosses what I knew- or if it meant loyalty to the people that I had until recently considered friends. Those first few months in the role involved sleepless nights, a lot of tears (privately, at home under the covers), and even more Twizzlers and battered copies of US Weekly (don’t judge- it’s soothing). I did my best not to cower in my new office as the Troublemakers- who were taller, older, and angrier than me- made their presence known.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I handled the situation. I believe I acted with integrity. And after the Troublemakers were gone, I rebuilt my team and we have experienced unprecedented growth. I did all of this while maintaining (and expanding) my project management responsibilities as well.
So. It’s been almost a year since I accepted this role and 2 since I started with the company. Which means it’s about time to ask for a raise. My bosses definitely hedged their bets and offered me a modest raise when I embarked on this new position. I don’t blame them- I was secretly relieved because it felt like less pressure on me. I had never been a supervisor before and if I failed epically, at least I hadn’t cost the company too much money in the process.
But now I’ve proven that I can not only survive but flourish in a leadership position. And it’s time to make a salary that reflects the growth and revenue that I have generated. I am strong, I am confident, and I am… really nervous.
So I’m going to do what I always do when I feel nervous. Over-prepare. I’m going to study for this meeting. I am going to arm myself with the facts of my case, I will read up on negotiation tactics and persuasion and power. I am going to treat this like I’m studying for the MCAT. I am going to own the shit out of this review.
I will share helpful tips and strategies that I learn along the way. I will explain the strategies that I have chosen to use and why. And I will absolutely let you know how it goes.
Now it’s time to gather resources. What books should I read? Which websites should I check out?
Here’s what I’m working with so far:
- What Works for Women at Work by Joan C. Williams
- Mistakes I’ve Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong by Jessica Bacal
- How Remarkable Women Lead by Joanna Barsh and Susie Cranston
- Ask for It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever
- Smart Talk: The Public Speaker’s Guide to Success in Every Situation by Lisa B. Marshall
- Pushback: How Smart Women Ask and Stand Up for What They Want by Selena Rezvani
- Nice Girls Don’t Get It by Lois P. Frankel and Carol Frohlinger
- Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury*
- Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage & Career for Women in Charge by Becky Blalock
- Knowing Your Value by Mika Brzezinski
- Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny
- Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman by Gail Evans
I’m planning this meeting for the the beginning of October, so I have just about two months to plan my attack. As always, any advice, book recs, hilarious Onion headlines, words of encouragement, or candy is appreciated.
Currently reading:
- Mistakes I’ve Made at Work: 25 Influential Women Reflect on What They Got Out of Getting it Wrong by Jessica Bacal
- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
- Afterward by Rosamund Lupton
- The Runner’s World Big Book of Marathon and Half Marathon Training by Jennifer Van Allen , Bart Yasso, and Amby Burfoot
theslipperyreader 