Looking for Your Next Grand Slam? See How Donath Law, LLC Can Assist You in Navigating Your Employment.

While most people generally know the game and rules of baseball, there are factors and guidance that can help players to succeed.

When looking for a job, everyone wants to get a grand slam. What does this mean? Some are looking for their dream job; high salary; big bonus and/or big commissions; great benefits and perks; maybe even a piece of the business. Some people want to be a partner or an owner while others are happy with an entry level position. Most people are looking for a collegial environment and it doesn’t hurt to be commended for your performance.

Each person’s dream job may differ but ultimately the goal is to get your version of a grand slam.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get the grand slam they are seeking. There are factors that come into play, some that can be anticipated and dealt with and others that are completely unexpected and make it impossible to achieve your goals.

For example, wind conditions may make the batter strike out (i.e. didn’t get the job and need to start their job hunt again). Players may get picked off at the base (i.e. fired or restructuring) and some may leave to find their own dream job (i.e. resignation by colleagues or mentors). There could be toxic management or fans, people throwing things at the field or treating you differently due to a protected factor (i.e. bullying in the workplace, discrimination). There are times that people are seeking to bring you down, booing you rather than cheering for you (i.e. stealing your ideas or taking credit for your work). Maybe the bat is too heavy or too light or maybe your batting gloves are not comfortable, too old or have an imperfection; your cleats aren’t tied well that day or your socks are bunched (i.e. you are not given training, resources, equipment you need). It is possible that you only hit a single (i.e. put on a special project that limits exposure and prevents advancement) or maybe you hit a pop fly and are out or get out trying to get to the base (i.e., placed on a PIP or negative review is received).

Donath Law, LLC assists with all of these scenarios. I help you get ready for your big hit, your debut, your new team. I prepare and review the paperwork that you receive and help show your: new job offer, non-compete agreement, confidentiality agreement, equity documents while helping to show your value. I help to negotiate the terms of the agreements. Are you going to be an “at will” employee or have a set term of employment? Where will you work? To whom will you report? Do you manage a team? Is there an opportunity for advancement? Do you have an out to leave with good reason if the job isn’t what was promised or the environment is toxic? Can we limit any restrictions on you going forward? What compensation, benefits and perks can you request and how can you be the most protected if you depart? Will the Company provide you a sign on bonus? Agree in advance to severance if you are terminated? Most people are good at negotiating for the points that they know they want: salary, bonus, vacation, benefits, etc. However, while these points may be agreed upon, the documentation may say otherwise and the terms may not be specifically transcribed into the agreement you receive.

Donath Law, LLC also assists you along the way. Are you prevented from being the all-star you should be because of your performance or is it because of your environment, the managers, your teammates, others who are holding you back? Are you being denied training, resources, are you being excluded from email exchanges and meetings, were you placed on a special project which seems positive but may leave you with no role once the project is completed. Did you report concerns to HR or your managers? Have you been treated differently since you raised these issues?

Donath Law, LLC can help you navigate your daily interactions: push back against a toxic work environment, empower you to stand up for yourself at work, help you to respond to emails, prepare documents that may afford you protection at a later date. I can help you file complaints with your direct or higher level/skip managers, HR, employee relations, agencies, among others. I help employees prepare for performance reviews and push back when they receive performance plans. We can intervene directly. Alternatively, we act in a ghost capacity, so the team doesn’t know that you have engaged a separate personal coach to enhance your performance, morale and who cares only about you. Donath Law, LLC acts as your extra hitting/batting coach outside of the teams coaches. We have only your interests at heart. The focus is on you, your health, your job and your future. There is less concern about how this effects the team as a whole or each of your teammate’s personal interests. We caution employees to truest their current or soon to be employers and remind our clients that each person is motivated by their own self interests so you need to be as well.

Donath Law, LLC helps to create an atmosphere that is one that you can prevail in or set you up to be a free agent, help you get time off for injury or to get traded to a better team. Just like with athletes, employees don’t want to leave anything behind in a transition. You want to get paid out as much as you can from the team you are leaving and be rewarded on your way onto the new team with limited restrictions. You should be viewed as the number one player. That is where I assist in reviewing any exit documentation and preparing you for any exit interviews, reviewing any separation or severance packages presented, discuss timing for transitions, internal and external departure statements, negotiate what may be lost on your departure from the old team and make sure you are whole and properly compensated before you sign off on documentation for the new team. I help you to present yourself as the most valuable player to the new team and provide examples of how you will offer success to the new team. You are most valuable during the negotiation process. After you join the new team, you must proved yourself in order to obtain new terms (i.e. a promotion, salary increase, equity, bonuses, etc.)

Years ago there would rarely be a trade in baseball. The player would be signed to a team and stay on that team throughout their baseball career. Times have changed. Now players spend a few years, or maybe just one season before there is a transition. That is the same in the employment world. Simply getting the position is not enough. You need to navigate through the various components of the job, be prepared to swing differently based on the trajectory of the ball and adapt to the changing elements. However, you are no longer alone. I will stand there with you, coach you, cheer you on, help you to succeed and to be the best team and solo player you can be and if there is a need for a change, I will help you implement next steps to land on a better team or change in your career path.

As many know, with the right coach, you are likely to be a better baseball player. Same with the workplace. Having the right coaches in your corner, one with legal experience to assist you, can elevate your standing while providing you with proper protections while empowering you to stand up for yourself at work. Team sports and your employment require patience, practice and persistence. Be the number one player by understanding that you are not alone. Be a team player but also remember that you may also have another team that needs you – your family. Protect yourself, understand your rights, take necessary risks and advocate for yourself in the same way as you would if you were negotiating for a loved one. You may learn that a grand slam brings new expectations, pressure and stress which you may thrive on or may decide is too demanding on you. Maybe a base hit is what you should be seeking, with an occasional double or stolen base. Could be that you want a home run or might want to reach for the stars and seek a true grand slam. In any of these circumstances, Donath Law, LLC will help you navigate the unknown to make you the best player you can be while taking precautions to protect your reputation along the way.

If you would like to obtain guidance on your next big hit or if it is time to change teams, reach out to Sheree Donath, Esq. at sheree@donathlaw.com for assistance. I am rooting for you!

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