What is My Worth? Discovering and Owning Your Value

Ever asked yourself, “What is my worth?” It’s a question that resonates deeply within each of us, especially as we navigate our professional journeys. Understanding your worth isn’t just about knowing your market value; it’s about recognizing your unique contributions, embracing your strengths, and confidently showcasing them to the world. Let’s dive into how you can uncover and assert your true worth.

Self-Assessment: The Foundation of Knowing Your Worth

Start with a deep self-assessment. Reflect on your skills, achievements, and experiences. What have you accomplished? What unique qualities do you bring to the table? Write these down. This isn’t about boasting—it’s about acknowledging the facts. Own your story and recognize the value you add.

Seek Feedback: External Validation

Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and leaders who know you well. Ask for honest feedback about your strengths and areas for improvement. This external perspective is invaluable. It can affirm what you already know and highlight strengths you might have overlooked.

Benchmarking: Know Your Market Value

Research the market to understand the going rate for your skills and experience. Websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn Salary Insights can provide a good benchmark. But remember, your worth isn’t just a number. It’s about the unique combination of skills, experiences, and personal qualities you offer.

Continuous Learning: Invest in Yourself

Investing in continuous learning is a powerful way to increase your worth. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, or attending industry conferences, staying updated and enhancing your skills keeps you competitive and relevant. Make learning a lifelong commitment.

Building a Personal Brand: Showcase Your Value

Your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world. It’s your professional reputation. Build it consciously. Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise, share your achievements, and connect with industry leaders. Write articles, give talks, and be active in professional communities. Let people know what you stand for and what you bring to the table.

Networking: The Power of Connections

Networking isn’t just about making contacts—it’s about building relationships. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and support your growth. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage on social media. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights.

Negotiation: Assert Your Worth

When it comes to job offers, promotions, or salary discussions, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Know your worth and be prepared to articulate it. Use the data from your self-assessment, feedback, and market research to make a compelling case. Remember, negotiation is not about confrontation; it’s about collaboration and finding a win-win solution.

Embrace Your Worth

Understanding and asserting your worth is a journey of self-discovery and continuous improvement. It requires self-reflection, external feedback, and a commitment to growth. But most importantly, it requires the confidence to recognize your value and the courage to assert it. You are unique, and your contributions matter. Embrace your worth, and let it shine in everything you do.

Take these strategies to heart and start your journey today. Your worth is not just a reflection of your past achievements, but a promise of your future potential. Own it, embrace it, and let the world see the incredible value you bring.

I'm watching this space, are you?

#knowyourworth #selfassessment #personalbrand #continuouslearning #networking #negotiation #leadership #careergrowth #professionaldevelopment

About the author:

Jeev Sahni is a seasoned strategic leader with over a decade of experience in strategy development and operations, particularly within management consulting, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. His tenure at Becton Dickinson & Company was marked by significant contributions towards the company's growth and presence across the Middle East, including the successful launch of multiple disruptive infusion devices in the region. His strategic vision and execution capabilities have been instrumental in driving growth and innovation across various market segments, particularly in diabetes care and integrated medication management solutions.

An avid marathoner, Jeev's passion for purposeful growth stems from working with organisations such as Medicins Sans Frontieres towards developing frameworks that support mental health across all age groups, whilst being a corporate mentor to the BBA students at IE Business School.