Today, I was informed that I got a raise. Woo hoo! Although I am making much less than I was at my previous job, and this one is only part-time, I nearly cried when my boss passed the news along to me. Was it because of the money? In part, yes, but the bigger reason was because he felt I "deserved it." Really?!?
At my previous job, I saw people hired, promoted, congratulated, recognized and praised who fit the "mold" of the perfect employee - Gucci bag, check! Designer suit, check! Dinner reservations at the trendy restaurant, check! Family connections, check! What a disappointment. You were either in the right clique, or you were out.
I'll never forget the day when I re-arranged my cubicle and moved my framed diploma from one wall to another. Clearly the new placement was much more visible. Within 30 minutes, the Executive VP of the company stopped, commented about how impressive it was (as if he hadn't known this already?! He was one of the people who hired me!) and looked at me with a respect and admiration I had been striving for the entire 4 years I had worked there. Within another 30 minutes, the President and CEO of the company repeated his performance, almost to a T.
So, that's what I should have been doing? Trying to fit into a mold? All it would have taken to have them notice and take an interest in me was a few knock-off bags, a fake tan and a penchant for the "finer" things in life? Wow. I never knew a shiny frame and a fake diploma commanded such power and influence.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. Sometimes, people cannot see beyond themselves to truly recognize another person's talents and contributions. They get distracted from the quality of the work and level of determination and become fixated on the razzle dazzle. Like a moth to a flame.
I also learned that when you do work for someone who is able to recognize someone for their actual work and dedication, that you're in a better position than many. Regardless of money.
Today, I feel appreciated, recognized and valuable. And what kind of ROI (return on investment) does that give the company? An employee who will work even harder to exceed expectations, do a great job and will truly enjoy coming in to work. You can't buy people who really care. That's something I believe is earned.
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