“I know I’m underpaid. My job description doesn’t match my growing responsibilities, and our department lacks opportunity.” “I completely understand your frustration,” I said. “Let’s pause and take a moment to dream.” I asked my top performer to draft her ideal job description, which we used in our effort to get her role re-evaluated and upgraded.
We then made the pitch, but it was denied. The feedback provided wasn’t about her work, but it concerned her reputation. Never saw that coming! Defeated and disappointed, I shared the bad news. As expected, it was a difficult conversation. We regrouped and determined to get as much positive exposure for her as possible.
Every initiative that she worked on, I made sure she was in the forefront, and we were very intentional with managing her brand and public persona. The pitch was made again, and it was accepted this time. It was my honor and privilege to tell her the great news that she was being promoted into her newly created role along with an increase in pay, and an annual bonus.
At that point, I realized that my career had gone full circle. I was able to do for someone else, what someone had done for me. Leave a comment below if this resonates.