If you want a bigger year-end bonus, now is the time to talk up
your accomplishments to the boss.
Most companies start making bonus decisions months before they
cut the checks, which means self-promotion can be most effective in the fall.
You may hate the thought of bragging, but the boss should know about your
contributions.
Companies are moving to dole out more pay in the form of
bonuses, but also to raise the performance targets that individuals must meet to
get the cash. This year, 24% of companies expect to increase individual bonus
awards and 28% are raising standards for bonuses, a survey by consultants Watson
Wyatt Worldwide found. Fewer than 5% are trimming bonuses or lowering
performance targets. In this compensation environment, keeping quiet about major
victories can get expensive.
Laura Sejen, a practice director at Watson Wyatt, says
employees should focus on what's most important to managers: how well you have
done on personal targets or helped the firm toward broad goals.
Atlanta career coach Lori Davila suggests sharing a story with
your boss that highlights an achievement and emphasizes the bottom-line result.
Be clear and concise about your accomplishments because "we're in a sound-bite
society," she says.
Managers respond to enthusiasm, Ms. Davila notes, so don't
worry about appearing boastful by showing pride in your work.
Throughout the year, take advantage of opportunities to
highlight your accomplishments. If you receive a complimentary letter from a
customer or a co-worker, for instance, forward it to key decision makers with a
note saying you want to share the good news.
