The last few months I’ve been working with a client who has her own business. For her, it’s challenging to always ask to be paid what she’s worth. What she’s forced herself to do is to articulate what she brings to the table. That way when she is challenged, she can say what she is delivering. And it’s working. Her motivation is skyrocketing. Before when she didn’t always stand her ground, some feelings of resentment would get in her way. Now she is super excited to show up and deliver.
The dynamic is clear when it’s a service for hire situation. It’s more blurry, but just as present, in a corporate setting. Here’s my question. What situations make you feel less valued? When do you not stand up for yourself and hand over your self-worth? And…what does that do to your motivation? Is it when your idea gets passed over or grabbed up by someone else in a meeting and you let it go? Is it when your boss misunderstands your intention and glosses over your good work?
There are two parts to this puzzle. The first is to really understand what you contribute. And that takes some sitting down and thinking, because where we have the most impact is often what we take for granted. The second is to have the tools of communication to stand your ground. Too often one bad experience of getting shot down makes us back off from speaking up, and we lose the muscle. A favorite go-to of mine is Guide to Interpersonal Communication by my friend and colleague, Joann Baney.
What would be possible if you could feel seen more of the time? Sky-high motivation is one…