Today was interesting.

"crazedclay: SBC murderer" (crazedclay)
09/05/2014 at 23:46 • Filed to: How to ask your boss for shit. Or. Getting shit done.

Now, as you know, I rarely ever post off topic stuff. Really, I swear it!

*Seven mods simultaneously roll their eyes*

But, today was pretty interesting, and I figured it was worth the share.

It was a Friday, which is sort of a plus one.

And in point form I did the following today:

-Walked into the owner's office. Said "By the spring, I would like to be making X amount of dollars. What pathways and options do I have to earn that?"

Owner, who respects the hell out of direct engagement, and never gets it because everyone dances around her for being larger than life, says

"Well, how about this. You seem like the person who needs to own something. You don't play totally well with being managed, but I know you are trustworthy, and have more than proven your abilities as an individual doing individual things. How would you like to take over as our primary service provider for XYZ, as the last person just quit after training you for the last six months. You will work with XYZ and create excellence in service, as well as administrate the back-end processes and bench repairs for their components"

*Clay's brain is foaming with anticipation at this point in the conversation.*

"For this, I'm going to spiff you an extra 100 bucks a week you are on site with XYZ (Five year contract we have with them. The weeks won't end for some time), and as we bring on a second man, every week that he is on site while you are back administrating, we'll spiff him 50 and you 50. As well, in a year's time, we will look at sponsoring your return to school as well as getting you above the mid 30's hourly plus whatever profit sharing we decide on. Think about it over the weekend, and we'll get it in writing on Monday."

So basically, because I spoke up and didn't bother with any of the usual "I'm afraid to ask my boss for shit" and offered a constructive and mutual way to bring more money to her as well as floating my own boat, I just took a promotion, the promise of free school, spiffs, and the ability to create business development opportunities with all the partner organizations XYZ works with. XYZ being a major municipally funded public works organization.

It was a good Friday.

Takeaways?

Never be afraid to approach your boss for anything. They are often wrapped up in their own world and not assholes or bitches. They are generally human, and appreciate being spoken to as such. Exceptions may apply, your mileage may vary but not as drastically as you might expect. Sometimes, the people who hate them, just don't know how to communicate and get lost in stagnancy.

Don't just walk in and ask for more money for the same level of service. No enticement there. Ask what it would take to earn that money or position while helping the organization grow, and hammer out a roadmap. Get that roadmap on paper. Give them a reason to see the value in your proposition from a bottom-line perspective.

DISCUSSION (7)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/05/2014 at 23:56

Better tag: How to get shit done.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 00:00

Good for you. I'm happy for you. Maybe now you can get one of those e63's.

Conan > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 00:06

There are few things better than really being utilized, in spite of all the work it entails. I wish I had it in my full time as well as my part time job.

YSI-what can brown do for you > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 00:39

Now that is badass! May your future bring many monies and self accomplishment! Seriously though, that is fantastic. I don't know you, but I am very happy for you.

I also learned how to speak up this week. Not to people. . . they still scare me, but asking question to teachers and professors(they don't count as people).

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 00:55

Hmmmm......it would appear that the bloody summer for Oppo is ending. Where once we would see personal tragedy and struggles with inner demons being vented at night, we now sing tales of victory and valor until the morning star rises again! And lo, our manufactured lord and savior, the miata, has recently announced an upcoming rebirth....

Kinja'd!!!

mcseanerson > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 01:01

I think this should be tagged to the archives. Damn good life advice. I'm only just now finally in my life at a point where I'm working for a company I'd want to retire from. Not that I necessarily will but that I would consider it. Being in rural Ohio and not being from here originally it is hard to find a career without a college degree. Plenty of temp jobs, but nothing good. Now I'm finally working for a big automotive related business that actually utilizes my skillset and challenges me to learn new ones.

Congrats on the great day.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > crazedclay: SBC murderer
09/06/2014 at 03:55

A sincere congratulations to you sir. And glad you posted this...nice to see things looking up!