Page 203 - Free Yourself From

186 It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor

Sometimes we operate on the notion that if we do a good
job, others will notice and take care of or reward us. That’s
not always the case. Take time to update your boss or your
organization on your accomplishments, on the progress you
have made toward your development, and on the value you
are bringing to them and the organization. Let them know
your career desires and goals—don’t just assume that they
are not interested, don’t have time to listen, or won’t
support you. And, if you ask your boss for a promotion or
raise and you get turned down, congratulate yourself on the
fact that you actually let your boss know what you want
because there is an implied understanding that he or she
should consider your request again down the road!

10. Just do it! If you have not asked for what you really want
recently, just go and do it! By asking, you will start to build
your skill and confidence. If you hold off, it only leads to
feeling disempowered, de-energized, or frustrated with
yourself and others. Know it might be uncomfortable the
first time, but consider this similar to when you started
going to the gym. You knew you needed to do it and you
may not have enjoyed it the first time, but when you went
the next time and the next time, it got easier, and then it
actually began to feel pretty natural. It’s the same for
asking for what you want.

Don’t assume that you know the answer, or worse yet, the answer
is no. Know that people appreciate those who stand up and let them
know what they need and want.
The old saying goes, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”
So go for it. If we don’t ask for what we want, we will never know
what we can really have! Good things rarely show up at our front
door. Don’t hesitate; take time to know why, who, and how to ask.