A Paycheck is More Than Just Numbers

A paycheck is more than just numbers; it's a declaration.

Once I had a boss who over-optimized the skill of negotiating job offers completely in favor of the company, haggling my worth like I was at yard sale. The day I found out he was short-changing me felt like a gut punch. I first questioned him, and then I went much harder on myself. Why did I blindly trust the offer and not push harder for what I felt I was worth? But as they say, hindsight is 20/20 and now I know better. Still to this day there's a bit of mistrust in that relationship.

After a while, I took on more leadership roles. I got schooled the hard way, so when I stepped up to lead, I swore never to play that losing game by lowballing people. I looked my team straight in the eyes and said, "You're getting what you're worth. Don't settle for less. I want to help you see the value you bring to the team." The energy and loyalty skyrocketed because they felt valued. People became the pulse, the heartbeat of the organization. They tell me they want to repay the trust I put in them. Why? Because I showed them they weren’t just expendable pawns; they were warriors.

Look at your team. What you see? That's a reflection of your leadership. If they're dragging or hustling, stalling or thriving, that's on you. You set the terms. You draw the boundaries.

Trust can't be a line item in your budget. Respect isn't an annual allocation. These are the pillars, the foundation of your team. If you cut corners here, you're just hurting yourself. And believe me, what you can lose is much greater than a few thousand dollars here or there.

So here's the deal: your team's output and grind, are a reflection of you.

When you see the team breaking their own barriers, you know you're on track. Setting new standards and unasked extra effort isn't just them excelling; that's you doing your job right.

Don't wait until the next exit interview to know if you did good. Look at your team now. Their hustle and fire, their barriers being smashed to bits, that's your report card.

When you're ready to take that next step in your career, knowing you're leaving the team in the best possible shape you can, and knowing they don't need you anymore, now that's a feeling you can't replace.