How to Shine at Work

2017-07-07 02:10:07

7. The Don’ts

Do not say that you need the money. You are demonstrating a compelling business reason for a salary increase, and it has nothing to do with your wanting a new car or a trip to Europe. Your company does not care about your material needs, but it does care about your value to it and to its owners and shareholders. Show that you have earned the raise.

Do not be adversarial, difficult, immature, or unprofessional. If you are defensive, angry, unreasonable, sobbing, or whiny, your boss will probably end the conversation immediately. This is a business discussion, with both sides trying to reach agreement. Keep it professional.

Do not issue an ultimatum. If you threaten to leave if the salary increase is denied, be prepared to back it up. Saying, “If I don’t get this [raise, promotion, bonus], I will quit” will probably invoke a response of, “OK, have your written resignation on my desk by the end of the day.”

Even if the company says, “Oh, my! Please don’t go!” you have showed your hand. Your boss knows that you lack loyalty and are probably hunting for your next job anyway.

If you deserve a raise, a bonus, or a promotion, and you are denied it, you can always decide to leave, but that decision should be separate from the discussion about your salary.

Do not demand to be paid the same as your coworkers. When I approached my boss concerning the disparity in pay, I asked a question for clarification: “Why?” My justification for my merit increase was my performance, and I addressed the parity issue separately. My goal was to both reach parity and get an increase, yet I made no demands.

If you are aware of a salary difference between you and your peers, find out why the difference exists. Commit to learning any skills or behaviors mentioned as reasons for the difference, and be ready to revisit your salary increase once you have learned them.

Not every parity issue is discrimination, so ask smart questions and keep your initial conversations focused on the raise you have earned.