Go Ahead, Take the Offer

Ooooooo, but you’ve worked so hard to get it and you just want to savor it for a moment.

It’s counter-intuitive, true.  But, rarely will you enjoy such a great opportunity to win points with your new employer.  Think about it from their point of view.

Up to this point, they’ve held all the cards.  You’ve been in – maybe multiple times – to talk with the boss.  And if the employer is smart, you’ve also had a chance to meet your peers and, depending on the circumstances, subordinates.

They’ve twisted your arm as hard as they dared, wanting to learn what offer might get a yes from you.  You’ve danced as hard as you could to avoid committing to a number below what they were already prepared to pay.

The references and background checks are done.  The moment of truth has arrived.  The offer is in your hands.

And the truth is that it’s really just fine.  You’ve already said to yourself that it’s not about the money.  The money is one piece – a very important piece, to be sure – of a larger picture.  Everything is good.  You know you’re going to say yes.

The employer, on the other hand, has now put it all on the line.  You wouldn’t have an offer if you weren’t really wanted.  You can build a reservoir of goodwill going in, if you just do, now, what you were going to do, anyway.

If you want to be the boss, train yourself to think like the boss.