Are you Worth More?
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Speaking to your Boss
Now you need to have a good tactical plan for handling the pay negotiation itself. Arrange an appointment with your boss at a time when they aren’t likely to be too stressed or distracted (for example, try to avoid a Monday morning or a Friday afternoon). Think about how your boss likes to handle situations: if they’re someone who likes to have a written briefing note in advance of a meeting, send them an email setting out your case and your justification for it. On the other hand, if they’re someone who prefers an informal conversation, then handle it that way – but you might in any case want to follow up the conversation with a written note.
If Things Don’t go your Way
If your boss doesn’t agree to your request straight away (and it’s quite likely that they won’t if there are pressures on the budget), don’t get stroppy or aggressive. And definitely don’t threaten to resign if you don’t get a rise – there’s always the risk that they’ll take you at your word! Ask them to agree to reflect on the points you have made, and make your exit gracefully. Think about whether there are additional points to make in support of your case and follow up with another conversation or note. And remember that it costs a company a lot in terms both of time and money to replace staff who leave, so you do have a bit of bargaining power – just use it gently!
Be Flexible
Be prepared to think flexibly about your overall benefits package. For example, if your boss agrees that you are doing a good job and deserve reward for that, but the budget is under real pressure, consider options such as more holiday, working from home one day a week, or other benefits which can have a real effect on your work satisfaction without costing your employer much money. Perhaps your department would be able to pay for some training or development in lieu of a pay rise?
What More Can You Do
If your boss is reluctant to agree to your request for a rise because they already think you are earning what you are worth, make sure that you find out from them exactly what they would expect from you before you merit a pay rise or promotion. Ask what your skills gaps are, and ask for specific examples of where you are falling short, not sweeping generalisations. It’s also worth asking some colleagues whose opinion you value for some feedback on your performance and how you come across at work. Sometimes it can be apparently irrelevant things that hold you back – for example, taking “dress-down Friday” a bit too literally and turning up in the office in your clubbing gear might really annoy your boss even though it doesn’t have any direct bearing on your performance. Or having an untidy desk can result in others thinking that you’re disorganised even if you always work efficiently. Think about the overall image that you portray – is there scope to make a more professional impression?
When it’s Time to Move On
If the worst comes to the worst, and you feel that your boss does not properly acknowledge your contribution, you may feel that it is time to move on. But don’t do anything rash. Think about how much more money you really want, and whether it’s worth moving on for that amount. Make a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of your job, so that you can make a measured decision. And double-check your research to make sure that you’ve estimated your worth accurately. If, ultimately, you do decide to move on, make sure you leave on good terms – you’re likely in any case to need a reference, so don’t burn your bridges!
Ó City Life Coaching
Feb 2006
