Now that you know that you should take the position of adding value beyond what is expected and communicate that value consistently to those who have influence over your earnings, it is time that you make sure your goals are defined and communicated.

Many organizations have a performance management process where certain objectives are agreed that you as an employee should meet. This is all good and gives you a great starting point, but this is the normal, the average, and the general path that is predefined for you. If you do well with this performance management process by following the steps the organization asks you to follow, you will receive your share of an average increase. This chapter is not about the average increase or this basic process. This chapter is about going above and beyond this process and making sure you set your intentions for your goals and expectations to yourself first, and then to your manager.