President Obama’s proposal for raising the minimum wage to $10.10 has pundits and economist-types arguing whether or not it’s government’s responsibility to demand raises for workers and what impact, if any, that mandate would have on business’s ability to retain current staff and add headcount. Those in favor claim that businesses are screwing over employees and, therefore, government must step in and force employers to “share the wealth.” As a coach, I’m not going to chime in on the merits of this initiative. I do, however, argue that no matter what the law says, it is, has and always will be up to the employee to prove her own worth and negotiate her compensation.
This may sound easier said than done. First of all, many professionals don’t feel comfortable tooting their own horns. Those that don’t mind it may fear being labeled as conceited and dread the repercussions of that. What’s more, employees in general feel funny about asking for more money, especially when companies are keeping their purse strings tight due to the current economic uncertainty.
But it doesn’t have to be so difficult and torturous.
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