Know Your Worth: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Paid What You Deserve

In this episode, hosts Em and Craig explore the concept of "knowing your value" in a rapidly changing workplace where traditional values are shifting due to technology, generational differences, and political influences.

Key Discussion Points:

• Multiple Hats Phenomenon: Em introduces the concept of "wearing multiple hats" - where people, particularly women, often carry multiple roles simultaneously (manager, counselor, organizer, etc.) without recognition or appropriate compensation. She emphasizes the importance of articulating these various responsibilities to make them visible.

• Gender Differences in Self-Assessment: Em cites research showing the "male hubris, female humility effect," where men systematically overestimate their abilities while women underestimate theirs, despite equal measured intelligence. This impacts salary negotiations and career advancement.

• Value vs. Self-Worth: Craig emphasizes that understanding your value must start with recognizing your inherent self-worth as a human being, rather than beginning with monetary considerations. This foundational self-respect then informs how you communicate your professional value.

• Technology's Impact on Value: The hosts discuss how technological shifts (cloud computing, AI) can make established skills obsolete overnight, forcing workers to constantly reassess and adapt their value proposition.

• Negotiation Strategies: When pay raises aren't possible, they suggest alternative value-adds:

  • Upskilling opportunities
  • Professional development funding
  • Networking event attendance
  • Mentorship programs
  • Lateral moves within the organization

• Communication Tactics: Craig shares insights from sales about listening first to understand problems before proposing solutions. They emphasize the importance of framing your value in terms of solving the organization's problems, not just listing your achievements.

• Five Love Languages in the Workplace: Em adapts Gary Chapman's concept to workplace appreciation: acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, appropriate physical acknowledgment (handshakes), and gifts. Understanding how people prefer to receive recognition can transform workplace relationships.

• Market Research Importance: Both hosts stress the critical importance of researching your market value globally, not just locally, and understanding the broader context of your industry and role.

• Intent vs. Impact: They reference the "Difficult Conversations" framework, noting how understanding the difference between what people intend and the impact they have can resolve many workplace value conflicts.

Practical Takeaways:

• Start negotiations by understanding the other party's problems
• Write down your goals and their needs to find creative solutions
• Consider taking breaks to gain perspective on your situation
• Build internal and external networks for realistic market assessment
• Practice difficult conversations before high-stakes moments
• Be aware of vocal patterns (upward inflection) that may undermine perceived competence

Resource Recommendations:

• "Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins (specifically the chapter on salary negotiation for women with male bosses)
• Vanessa Van Edwards' research on voice and body language
• Nick Cave's "Red Hand Files" email newsletter
• Market research through LinkedIn Jobs and industry networking