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Asking for What You Want 183

years from now, you might be in a very different place, with more
flexibility in your life, and then you can pick up on your career again.
So, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.” I suggested that she go to her
boss and propose an interim role as a part-time employee and let him
know that she would be the best part-time employee they could ever
have. I said there was a good chance her boss would appreciate this
proposal, as it would be a regrettable loss if the company would lose
her 10-plus years of institutional knowledge and expertise, now and
in the future. We tend to be so pragmatic sometimes about what exists
right now and not see the possibility of the future, particularly when
it comes down to what we really want—our hopes and dreams.

What Can You Do Tomorrow?

Remember, people have more respect and will take you more seri-
ously if you define what it is you want and then ask for it. Don’t wait
for others to determine what is best for you. It is incumbent upon us
to be in control of our own destiny!
Following are some steps you can take to help you to start ask-
ing for what you want.

1. Know you are worth it—take stock in you: Take time to
realize how valuable you are and that you bring a lot to the
table. Maintain your credibility, be honest with yourself and
others, and demonstrate personal integrity by asking for
what you deserve.

2. Research your request or worth: Don’t just assume you are
worth it or that someone will take you seriously. Consider
multiple sources—industry standards/trends, internal and
external market salaries, and other best practices. You also
need to consider the other parties’ interests, as well as their
hot buttons, goals, and assumptions, when asking for what
you want. It can be a two-way street.