The indispensable employee

As an employee, if you want to stay in the company you are in, it is essential that you know what your value is. If your value is low, you run the risk of being fired. If it's high, maybe it's time to ask for a raise and a promotion. 

Performance evaluations should make this value clear, but unfortunately, they are 

often not totally honest, either for fear of confrontation or because those involved are 

holding back information to gain a negotiating advantage. So how do you know what your value is to the company?

First of all, you are an asset to the company, and your value is equal to what you produce minus what you cost. Try to calculate your contributions to the company in money and subtract your salary and other expenses such as social security. 

Second, you can calculate your value based on how difficult your skills are to find.  If there are only two people in the world who have your knowledge and expertise, you can demand whatever salary you want.

Third, the value of employees depends on their ability to solve problems. Are you one of those people who will pitch in at the first opportunity? Or are you one of those who answers "That's not my job" when there is a crisis? 

Fourth, your value is only worthwhile if the person who pays your salary, knows you and your value. It's not enough to be good. You must prove it. Shy people are at a disadvantage, because if you don't highlight your achievements, you don't get very far. It's unfair, I know, but people value what they see. What we don't see... doesn't exist.

So, don't just think about your rights and what the company owes you. Think about       what you do for the company, how you could improve, and how to communicate your achievements more effectively.