Its not an easy feat to approach a superior in the workplace and ask for a re-evaluation
of compensation for your work. Asking for a raise isn’t the same as asking a friend a favour, this is strictly professional which means the thing you’re asking for has to be rightfully earned ant won’t be given freely. Here a few things to keep in mind before you approach your superior.
Never use your life circumstances as a pawn.
It won’t matter that you come from a lower economic status than your co-worker. It won’t matter that your boyfriend dumped you recently. It won’t matter that your car broke down and your bank account is in overdraft. Your professional life exists in a different realm than your personal life and your compensation reflects only that which relates to your job. Everyone has obstacles in their lives that they have to work through.
Don’t ask for a raise frequently.
There is no mandatory law that states an employer has to give an employee a pay increase every few months, or even every year. Your work should be evaluated every year to see whether you are in the best position for your talents, and whether you have fulfilled your duties to the best of your ability. Is there room for improvement? Rewards are not given for meeting basic requirements, but out of recognition for going above and beyond expectation. There are no participation trophies in the workforce.
There is a difference between assertion and aggression.
The person who is calm and collected and can offer examples to show their continual effort towards the success of this company will appear more deserving than the person who complains and demands a raise. The way you approach these issues says a lot about the qualities you possess, and whether your skillset is an asset or liability to the company. Complainers will compare themselves to others to express their worth, framing them in a negative light.
Don’t give ultimatums.
People often use ultimatums to try and gain leverage in a confrontational situation and control the outcome. However, using fear to elicit a desired response is not always met with success, and as history has shown this tactic isn’t a display of intelligence. Morality aside, threats are not always met with compliance, but instead abandonment. If you are not willing to discuss your point of view while also taking outside opinions into account, its unlikely you will get what you’re asking for.
Its important to think about the way you approach the subject of compensation in order to preserve the relationship you currently have. If your heart and head are coming from a place of entitlement, arrogance and greed, then you may end up losing more than your integrity. If you have prepared yourself for an open discussion, proof of value, and a plan to move forward, you may end up getting exactly what you asked for, or more.
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