What is your value?  (Before your read further, know that this article isn’t talking about monetary compensation – however, knowing your value is a good place to start for any negotiation.) Pause on that question for a moment and notice what comes to mind.  If we focused strictly on your professional life, and I asked you to rate how valuable you are on a scale of 1 – 10, what would you say?  Would you be able to assign a number? What would back it up?  And just as importantly, would others recognize your value in the same way?

One of the challenges with “value” is that it is difficult to quantify.  Money and value do not necessary correlate, but recognizing the need to be valuable can make a distinct difference in how you present yourself, how others consider you and your long-term career success – which can then turn into earning potential.

This discussion reminds me of the PBS television show, Antiques Roadshow.  The value in those old items is that somebody wants to own them.  The principles of supply and demand apply, i.e. the quality and desirability of an item creates the demand, and combined with availability … market value.

1. In the workplace, what is your quality and desirability?

There was once a beautiful old armoire with all of the standard checklist items – original finish, original knobs, original legs, etc. but it was too large to fit in today’s homes, so the market was limited and even though there was more wood, more workmanship – the value was considerably less than a much smaller desk.

2. As you reflect on your career, are you aware of your checklist items and also of what might not fit?

It is fascinating to watch as people seem to change their enjoyment of an item – perhaps one that they didn’t really like before, but now found out is worth a lot of money – or the opposite, as they discover their prized, loved object is worth only a few dollars.  The market value hasn’t changed, but in that moment when they hear the news, the value of those items change for the owners.

3. What “news” can impact your perceived value?

This last distinction is meaningful in two very important ways.  The first is that each of us is valued in the workplace by the perceptions of others.  The second is that we can become susceptible to what others assign to us.  Our confidence is tied up with how we value ourselves and it can change because of their words and actions.  Similar to those taking their beloved items to the appraisers to learn the value, we often seek (or are given) an appraisal from others and allow it to change how we see our own value when we could and should use feedback as a tool for contemplation and improvement.

As you look for career advancement, a new job or new career, or desire to be more effective in the role you currently play, it is important, that you know how others are assigning value and what adjustments may be necessary for improvement.  However, (and this is critical) you also need to recognize that what others perceive about you may not be the person you are or what you are capable of doing – it may just be the message you are sending through your words, actions, behaviors – and you may need to remove a coat of old paint and/or add one to improve your marketability.

A few “armoire” points to consider as you give yourself a value rating:

Finish and knobs (the checklist): Are your education, skills and experience aligned with your current responsibilities?  Are you ready for the next step?  Are there gaps that should be addressed? Do you have a healthy network?

4. What will enhance the value of your quantifiable skills and experiences?

Size and fit (desirability and marketability): Do you enjoy what you do?  Are you being fully utilized? Are you getting along with others in the organization?  Are you giving 100%?  Are you a team player? Where do you have conflicts?  What causes stress?  Do you communicate clearly?  Are you being understood?  How do you know? What are your biggest successes?  How can you and do you leverage those?  What is your attitude? Etc.  As you can see, the marketability considerations can be endless.

5. What steps can you take to maximize or minimize the value and the perceived value of ‘you’?

If you have concerns with your “size and fit” issues, ask for feedback, ask for a development plan, or consider hiring a coach on your own.

Unlike the old armoire which can’t change its size, you can increase your marketability by first being aware of the need and then, taking the necessary actions.