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Do You Deserve a Raise?

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Do You Deserve a Raise

CNNMoney offers a self-survey to help you understand if you deserve a raise. Here are the six questions in the survey.

  1. If you left the company, how easy or hard would it be for the company to replace you?
  2. To what extent do you have abilities or possess knowledge that most others—both inside and outside the company—do not have?
  3. If your company had to eliminate departments, what would happen to yours?
  4. Is your department respected by other parts of the company?
  5. How much does your business or division contribute to the profitability of the company?
  6. Does it look as if your business will grow or shrink in coming years?

Call for Action

In preparing to ask for a raise or a promotion, or in preparing for a performance review, you need a strong understanding of arguments supporting your desired outcome and counter-points your boss (and other approvers) may raise. The above survey questions from CNNMoney can help you start gathering your thoughts.

The key yardstick that your boss will use to appraise you is the significance of your efforts to the organisation and the perceived promise/potential you hold. Review any expectations that your boss laid-out during prior discussions. Prepare a self-evaluation by documenting your accomplishments against these expectations and their significance to the goals of the organisation. Collect evidence: try to quantify and be precise as possible. Maintain a journal of all your achievements and summarize your journal in your self-evaluation.

Inspirational Quotations #177

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The question is not how many years are in your life, but how much life is in your years.
—Anonymous

Inspire me with love for my art and for thy creatures. In the sufferer let me see only the human being.
—Moses Maimonides

Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live rather than what you say.
—Wayne Dyer (American Motivational Writer)

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Courage has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage, and then the mind grows heated. Begin it and the work is completed.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Poet)

Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love, you will find that you are left holding only yourself.
—Leo Buscaglia (American Motivational Speaker)

It’s attitude, not aptitude, that affects your altitude.
—Unknown

Whatever you do or dream you can do – begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Poet)

People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.
—Dale Carnegie (American Author)

If what you are doing is not moving you toward your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals.
—Brian Tracy (American Author)

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
—Mary Oliver (American Poet)

Make each day a Masterpiece.
—John Wooden (American Sportsperson)

Written Communication Tips #2: British English or American English?

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The popularity of the English language spread with the British Empire. Over four centuries, the English vocabulary expanded by absorbing words and phrases from diverse languages and cultures. Various geographies developed dialects–specific styles and patterns in spelling, grammar and sentence construction.

Two of the predominant dialects of English are the British style (through the expansion of the British Empire) and American style (courtesy of American capitalism.)

Differences in spelling and vocabulary are easily noticeable: colour (in British English) v/s color (in American English), cutlery v/s silverware, petrol v/s gasoline, aeroplane v/s airplane, etc. Purists can also recognise differences in grammar and usage: ‘Indianapolis are the champions‘ (in British English) v/s ‘Indianapolis is the champion’ (in American English.)

Guidelines to Choose between British and American English

When working on a résumé, report or any other form of written communication, here are three general guidelines to choose between the British style and American style.

  • When writing for a predominantly American audience, use the American style. When writing for a predominantly British audience, including audience in the former British-colonies (India, Singapore, etc.,) use the British style. For example, use American spellings and grammar to compose a résumé for an ‘on-site’ job opening in the United States.
  • Use the style that is apt for the subject of your document. For example, if you are writing an article on the Fall-colours you witnessed during your trip to the United States, use the term ‘Fall‘ instead ‘Autumn‘ to refer to the season, even if you are writing for a predominantly British audience. (‘Fall’ in American English is equivalent to ‘Autumn’ in British English.)
  • If you are writing for a broader audience, be consistent–pick a style and stick to it throughout the document.

Wondering what to read next?

  1. Stephen King’s Tips for Writing Better
  2. Most Writing Is Bad Because It Doesn’t Know Why It Exists
  3. Persuade Others to See Things Your Way: Use Aristotle’s Ethos, Logos, Pathos, and Timing
  4. How to Read the AP Stylebook
  5. Complexity Is a Hiding Place

Inspirational Quotations #176

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Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.
—George Herbert (Welsh Anglican Poet)

Dreams don’t come true. Dreams are true.
—Anonymous

And what is laughter anyway? Changing the angle of vision. That is what you love a friend for: the ability to change your angle of vision, bring back your best self when you feel worst, remind you of your strengths when you feel weak.
—Erica Jong (American Novelist)

Life gives us tragedies and heartaches, but it also gives us reasons to celebrate, and we must not allow the tragedies to stop us celebrating the good times, but celebrate them all the more.
—Rudy Giuliani (American Politician)

Execution is the job of the business leader.
—Lawrence Bossidy

Nobody gives you power. You just take it.
—Unknown

The trouble with opportunity is that it only knocks. Temptation kicks the door in.
—Unknown

Always remember, look forwards not back, believing in making your dreams all come true. Always believe in the best you can be and have faith in the things that you do.
—Unknown

Some people think it’s holding on that
makes one strong. Sometimes it’s letting go.
—Sylvia Robinson

The thing that matters is not what you bear, but how you bear it.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (Roman Philosopher)

Working Exercise into a Busy Day

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The benefits of physical activity and exercise are well known: reduced risk of chronic diseases, lower stresses, increased physical fitness, improved sleep, greater self-confidence, etc. However, incorporating physical activity into our demanding schedules can be very challenging.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal offered five great guidelines to help include exercise into a busy day. See the full article here.

  1. Exercise early in the morning. Typically, after work, you’re hungry, exhausted and you have family obligations. Exercising early in the morning can give a great energy boost.
  2. Stay close to home or office for convenience. If possible, possess exercise equipment at home.
  3. Mix exercise with family time. For instance, ask family or friends to join you in the morning-walks; this will help you stay motivated.
  4. Do a weekend workout. The weekend offers two days of opportunity.
  5. Stay active during the day. Mix exercise into your daily activities.

Call for Action

With the help of a physician or a personal trainer, choose activities that are appropriate for your fitness level and your goals. Be realistic in what you can achieve. Schedule exercise in your calendar.

Make the most of small bits of time that become available during the day. Take the stairs instead of an elevator; park your car as far as possible in the parking lot and walk into your office; take a quick walk around your office building when you need a break from work.

Take time out–do not exercise every day. Regular breaks allow for recovery and return to exercise with renewed vigour.

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  2. How to … Incorporate Exercise into Your Daily Life
  3. The One Simple Habit Germans Swear By for a Healthier Home
  4. The Hustle Delusion: Your Ambition is Another’s Insanity
  5. Co-Workation Defeats Work-Life Balance

Inspirational Quotations #175

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Everything a human being wants can be divided into four components: love, adventure, power and fame.
—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (German Poet)

Wait not till tomorrow, what can be done today. For you do not know what tomorrow may bring.
—Anonymous

You should respect each other and refrain from disputes; you should not, like water and oil, repel each other, but should, like milk and water, mingle together.
—Buddhist Teaching

No matter how much progress one makes, there is always the thrill of just beginning.
—Robert H. Goddard (American Inventor)

A hug is the body’s battery re-charge.
—Unknown

I do like a little bit of butter to my bread.
—A. A. Milne (English Children’s Books Writer)

Being reproached for giving to an unworthy person, Aristotle said, ‘I did not give it to the man, but to humanity.’
—Samuel Johnson (British Essayist)

Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.
—Voltaire (French Philosopher)

A friend is someone with whom you dare to be yourself.
—Frank Hall Crane

Always follow your heart, it’s the one thing stronger than your mind.
—Rob Niemeyer

Inspirational Quotations #174

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If we wish to free ourselves from enslavement, we must choose freedom and the responsibility this entails.
—Leo Buscaglia (American Motivational Speaker)

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.
—Charles Darwin (British Naturalist)

Winners find reasons to …|Losers find excuses not to.
—Unknown

Those who do too much for their children, will soon discover they can do nothing with their children.
—Neal A. Maxwell (American Mormon Religious Leader)

From the moment it is touched, the heart cannot dry up.
—Louis Bourdaloue

I expect nothing. I fear no one. I am free.
—Nikos Kazantzakis (German Greek Philosopher)

No smile is as beautiful as the one that struggles through tears.
—Unknown

The secret of success is this: there is no secret of success.
—Elbert Hubbard (American Writer)

A friend is a person who knows all about you-and still likes you.
—Elbert Hubbard (American Writer)

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
—Theodor Seuss Geisel (‘Dr. Seuss’) (American Children’s Books Writer)

The Foundation of Great Relationships: Get to Know People

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An Act of Astonishing Leadership

In a sermon on the meaning of work, Nancy Ortberg of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, recalled an astonishing leadership act from when she worked as an emergency room nurse earlier in her career.

“It was about 10:30 p.m. The room was a mess. I was finishing up some work on the chart before going home. The doctor with whom I loved working was debriefing a new doctor, who had done a very respectable, competent job, telling him what he’d done well and what he could have done differently.”

“Then he put his hand on the young doctor’s shoulder and said, ‘When you finished, did you notice the young man from housekeeping who came in to clean the room?’ There was a completely blank look on the young doctor’s face.”

“The older doctor said, ‘His name is Carlos. He’s been here for three years. He does a fabulous job. When he comes in he gets the room turned around so fast that you and I can get our next patients in quickly. His wife’s name is Maria. They have four children.’ Then he named each of the four children and gave each child’s age.”

“The older doctor went on to say, ‘He lives in a rented house about three blocks from here, in Santa Ana. They’ve been up from Mexico for about five years. His name is Carlos,’ he repeated. Then he said, ‘Next week I would like you to tell me something about Carlos that I don’t already know. Okay? Now, let’s go check on the rest of the patients.'”

“I remember standing there writing my nursing notes–stunned–and thinking, I have just witnessed breathtaking leadership.”

Call for Action: Get to Know People

Getting to know and caring for people is the foundation of great relationships, both in our personal and professional lives. We know little about the people we interact with on a daily basis—often, we know nothing beyond their first and last names, and their functional responsibilities.

Here are seven fundamental steps to help know people.

  • Most people are enthusiastic about sharing their stories—of where they grew up, their life-experiences, travels, hobbies, interests, or children. Depending on the level of acquaintance, gauge whether a specific person would be comfortable with talking about himself/herself.
  • Consider asking open-ended questions. Initial questions can focus on a favourite sport, travel or school/career history.
  • A person’s desk may provide clues for conversation starters. Some people have pictures of kids, pets or their hometown. Others have memorabilia from a sports team they support or their school. Some others have plaques from the awards and recognitions they won. People are keen to talk about these interests—they are great topics to start conversations on.
  • Listen carefully. Make a mental note of the details the person provides.
  • Relate to the other person’s stories and share your experiences. This helps the other person to get to know you too.
  • After your conversation, jot down a few details to facilitate a follow-up conversation later. For instance, if your project manager talked about her children, write down the kids’ names, their school, etc.
  • Be careful not to pry too deep. Steer away from conversations on social or economic status, health, faith, and other personal details. Watch for gestures of discomfort when you ask questions.

Listening to people and getting to know them transforms your relationships: it helps you connect with people positively and discover shared values/interests. At a higher level, it demonstrates your caring for your people and helps you influence them or facilitate change, depending on the nature of your relationship with them.

Notes: Reference to Nancy Ortberg’s sermon via Guy Kawasaki of Garage Ventures and Rich Karlgaard of Forbes Magazine.

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  5. Could Limiting Social Media Reduce Your Anxiety About Work?

Inspirational Quotations #173

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Nature arms each man with some faculty which enables him to do easily some feat impossible to any other, and thus makes him necessary to society.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Philosopher)

Genius is the ability to put into effect what is on your mind.
—F. Scott Fitzgerald (American Novelist)

We are judged by our actions, not our intentions. We may have a heart of gold, but so does a hardboiled egg.
—Unknown

When a management with a reputation for brilliance tackles a business with a reputation for bad economics, it is usually the reputation of the business that remains intact.
—Warren Buffett (American Investor)

Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what next or how. The moment you know how, you begin to die a little. The artist never entirely knows. We guess. We may be wrong, but we take leap after leap in the dark.
—Agnes de Mille (American Dancer)

Mourning is not the index of true love. It reflects love of the object, of its shape only, but that is not love. True love is shown by the certainty that the object of love is in the Self and that it can never become non-existent.
—Ramana Maharshi (Indian Hindu Mystic)

Success is getting and achieving what you want. Happiness is wanting and being content with what you get.
—Bernard Meltzer (American Radio Personality)

The heart has its reasons, which Reason does not know. We feel it in a thousand things. It is the heart which feels God, and not Reason. This, then, is perfect faith: God felt in the heart.
—Blaise Pascal (French Catholic Mathematician)

Be silent, or speak something worth hearing.
—Unknown

Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.
—Guillaume Apollinaire (Italian-born French Poet)

Avoid E-mail Embarrassments [Effective Emails #1]

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We have all committed e-mail mistakes. We have seen a personal message sent to one recipient appear on mailing lists, we have sent impulsive e-mails while hot-headed, we have accidentally sent e-mails to the wrong recipients, we have misspelled names of important people, and so forth.

An opinion poll conducted by America Online and Opinion Research Corporation in the year 2005 listed features that e-mail users desire.

  • 43% of the respondents asked for the ability to un-send a message that has not been read
  • 43% of the respondents asked for the ability to track where an e-mail has been forwarded
  • 27% of the respondents asked for a lock on e-mail so it cannot be forwarded
  • 27% of the respondents asked for a pop-up that asks the user to double-check who they are sending the e-mail to
  • 14% of the respondents asked for the ability to un-send a message that has already been read

Guidelines to Avoid E-mail Embarrassments

The technology of e-mails is such that you lose control over the content and distribution of an e-mail message as soon as you send it. Here are a few guidelines to avoid potential embarrassments from e-mails.

  • Guidelines to Avoid E-mail EmbarrassmentsBe judicious to whom you send e-mail to, and who you copy on e-mails. Use the ‘To’ field to list e-mail addresses of people who need to take action. Use the ‘CC’ (carbon copy) field to list e-mail addresses of people who need to be informed. Do not copy e-mails just to keep other people ‘in-the-loop.’
  • ‘Reply to All’ only if you really need your message to be read by everyone who received the original message.
  • Always examine the ‘To’ field before you compose a personal reply to an e-mail you received through a mailing list.
  • Do not forward to any message you received via ‘BCC’ (blind carbon copy.) Reply to the sender only, if necessary.
  • Ask the sender for appropriateness before forwarding any sensitive information you received from him/her.
  • Assume that any message that can be misunderstood will be misunderstood. Proof-read the content before you send out e-mails. Read the message from the recipients’ perspective and examine if you can edit your composition to avoid possible misinterpretations.
  • Never send an e-mail when angry. After composing the e-mail, wait for an hour or two before sending your e-mail. Examine alternate means for relaying your information and closing the communication loop.