Here's how you can discuss a salary or raise with your employer while maintaining a positive relationship.
Talking about a salary increase can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it's an important aspect of your professional growth and financial well-being. As a leader in your own career, it's crucial to approach this conversation with confidence and strategy. To maintain a positive relationship with your employer during this discussion, it's important to prepare thoroughly, communicate effectively, and understand the value you bring to the table. This article will guide you through the process of negotiating a salary or raise while keeping your professional relationship intact.
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Jyothish NairDoctoral Candidate(๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ) | Technical Deliveryโฆ
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Ajay GuptaFounder & CEOโBachpan Play Schools, Academic Heights Public Schools, Hum Honge Kamyab Foundation | Co-FounderโRishihoodโฆ
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Bonnie Low-KramenI help build ultimate assistants who are fully leveraged to benefit their leaders & companies. | Bestselling Author |โฆ
Before you even schedule a meeting with your employer, take the time to prepare. Research the typical salary range for your position within your industry and geographic area. Understand the financial health and pay structure of your company. Reflect on your achievements, responsibilities, and the value you add to the team. Being armed with this information not only bolsters your confidence but also demonstrates to your employer that your request is grounded in reality and that you are serious about your career progression.
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Jyothish Nair
Doctoral Candidate(๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐ก ๐๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ) | Technical Delivery Manager at Openreach | AgilePMยฎ | PRINCE2ยฎ | CSPOยฎ | CSMยฎ|ITILยฎ4| Six Sigma Black Belt
Before initiating the conversation, thoroughly research industry standards and pay scales for your position. Highlight your key accomplishments and contributions to the company. Use well-known models like the ๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐ฌ๐ค, ๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ) method to structure your achievements effectively and demonstrate your value. โ๐ถ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐โ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ , ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ โ๐๐ค ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ โ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฆ'๐ ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐ ๐ . ๐โ๐๐ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข ๐ค๐๐กโ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐ ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ก.
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Ajay Gupta
Founder & CEOโBachpan Play Schools, Academic Heights Public Schools, Hum Honge Kamyab Foundation | Co-FounderโRishihood Uni. | Motivational Speaker | Author of โDecoding Business Mindsโ (Amazon Bestseller)
It is important for you to know your worth and believe in your potential. Until you do that, you are more likely to get influenced rather than stand up for your salary expectations. Also, remember that you cannot forget your courage while standing by your worth, and that comes from genuine self-awareness and self-confidence only.
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Bonnie Low-Kramen
I help build ultimate assistants who are fully leveraged to benefit their leaders & companies. | Bestselling Author | 30K+ followers | bonnie@bonnielowkramen.com
It is imperative that staff puts effort into creating a well written, detailed, current, and fact-based job description in order for leaders to have no doubt or confusion about their employee's ACTUAL responsibilities. In addition, the staffer sets themselves up for success when they also are prepared with other written documents, including their resume, salary history with the company, kudos letters, and a bulleted list of quantifiable achievements over the past 6-12 months. Staff cannot expect leaders to have all this information fresh in their heads so these documents communicate an employee's seriousness, accountability, and commitment to the company. These documents are important reminders about exactly how valuable you really are.
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Larissa Haynes
Top Leadership Development Voice LinkedIn | Executive Coach | Organizational Consultant | #6 on the Top 20 Executive Coaches Boston List | Self-Awareness is a Superpower
Discussing a salary or raise with your employer can be daunting, but maintaining a positive relationship is key. Start by preparing your case with clear examples of your contributions and achievements. Approach the conversation with confidence and professionalism but also with empathy and understanding of your employerโs perspective. Focus on mutual goals and how your growth aligns with the company's success. Be open to feedback and willing to negotiate. This respectful and collaborative approach can help ensure a productive discussion and a stronger professional relationship.
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Marko Ladis
๐ Navigating the tech world with insider knowledge | ๐ Follow to stay ahead of AV trends | Senior AV Engineer | Ex-Google | Your tech industry compass ๐งญ
Discussing a salary or raise with your employer can be daunting, but it's possible to maintain a positive relationship. Start by researching industry standards to justify your request. Choose a good time, ideally after a successful project. Be clear and confident about your achievements and how they align with the company's goals. Express your appreciation for the opportunities given and remain open to feedback. For example, after leading a project that increased revenue, John approached his boss with data and a positive attitude, resulting in a successful raise discussion. Always approach the conversation professionally and courteously. If you found this helpful, please like!
Timing is everything when it comes to discussing salary. Choose a moment when the company is performing well, ideally after the successful completion of a project or during a positive performance review. Avoid busy periods or times of financial constraint for the company. When scheduling the meeting, be considerate of your employer's time. Suggest a timeframe that allows for a thoughtful discussion without rush, ensuring that both parties can engage in the conversation with full attention.
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Kajal Mullapudi
I empower working Professionals & organizations to become top 1% from self realization to leading a team effectively | Trained 1,50,000+ professionals | International Women's Award Winner 2024
choose the right time to schedule the meeting. Timing is everything. Avoid busy periods or times when your employer is stressed. Before the meeting, gather evidence of your achievements. Have clear examples of your contributions and how theyโve added value to the company. Practice what youโre going to say. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence. Keep your tone professional and respectful.
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Liam Enticknap
Director of Networks | Head of IT | Head of Infrastructure | Project Manager | Programme Manager | CTO
In a big organisation pay rises are yearly and based around your achievement of your annual goals. This should be easy to time the conversations as the structure is in place. If your organisation is smaller consider when a new client is onboarded, how much did you help? You want to be ahead of the end of the year and end of sales quarters as by the time end of year is here or end of sales quarter is here all of that money will likely be committed.
Communication is key in any negotiation. Start the conversation by expressing appreciation for your current role and the opportunities provided by the company. Be clear and concise about your request for a raise, and back it up with the evidence you've gathered. Listen attentively to your employer's perspective and be ready to address any concerns they may have. It's important to maintain a professional tone throughout the discussion, even if the conversation takes an unexpected turn.
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Bonnie Low-Kramen
I help build ultimate assistants who are fully leveraged to benefit their leaders & companies. | Bestselling Author | 30K+ followers | bonnie@bonnielowkramen.com
Make notes for yourself and PRACTICE your key phrases ahead of time. Your job is to appear calm and confident (the opposite of flustered and unsure), because if you believe it, THEY will believe it. Try to minimize filler words - like, um, you know. Don't apologize for the need to talk about money. You have nothing to be sorry about. This is business and the conversation should be collaborative and fact-based. Money is a major factor in your ability to perform at your very best. Stick with the facts about your ability, your responsibilities, and your achievements. As my son says, "It's not bragging if it's true."
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Ross Chambers
Director of New Business, Marketing and Brand at Billing Finance Ltd
Never be afraid to ask the question! I think this starts by understanding your worth, value and what you are bringing to the table. Be balanced and understand the position of your company but if you believe you are worth it be direct whilst maintaining respect!
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Paulo Schwartzman
Empreendedor Social | Top Voice Lideranรงa + 2 | Advogado | Fundador Arbitrivm; MP Sports; Isapay e SoftDent | Criador do JurisTrilha | Mestrando USP | Editor Brasil Debate | Colunista | Coord. GESIDH | Escritor | Mentor
Nรฃo floreie, nรฃo fique enrolando. Seja franco, direto e amigรกvel. Lembre-se de que a empresa precisa de vocรช tanto quanto vocรช precisa da empresa. A relaรงรฃo รฉ bilateral!
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Kajal Mullapudi
I empower working Professionals & organizations to become top 1% from self realization to leading a team effectively | Trained 1,50,000+ professionals | International Women's Award Winner 2024
Begin the discussion by expressing your appreciation for the opportunities and experiences youโve gained with the company. Highlight your achievements and contributions to the companyโs success, using specific examples to demonstrate your value.
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Brian Decker, SPHR
HR Business Partner, Strategic HR| Diversity & Inclusion Advocate|
Effective communication is essential. Express gratitude for your current role and the opportunities the company has provided you. Acknowledge the achievements and support you've received thus far. Clearly articulate your desire for growth and recognition of your efforts. By approaching the discussion with a positive and appreciative mindset, you are more likely to foster understanding and collaboration with your employer.
When discussing a raise, focus on the value you bring to the company rather than personal needs. Highlight specific examples of your contributions, such as completed projects, improvements you've implemented, or any additional responsibilities you've taken on. This demonstrates that you're not just asking for more money, but that you've earned it through your hard work and dedication.
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Dr. Sunil Pendharkar
Head Operations at Adani Healthcare,GK General Hospital, Bhuj, Gujarat (Ex Apollo Hospital-Jehangir Hospital/Ex Apollo Health & Lifestyle Ltd/ Ex Sahyadri Hospital/Ex DMIMS-DMIHER-JNMC/Ex ICICI Lombard)
Prepare by researching salary benchmarks, choose a good time, highlight your achievements, listen actively, stay professional, summarise in writing, and consider alternatives if needed. These steps help maintain a positive relationship while discussing salary or a raise with your employer.
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Kajal Mullapudi
I empower working Professionals & organizations to become top 1% from self realization to leading a team effectively | Trained 1,50,000+ professionals | International Women's Award Winner 2024
First, understand your value. Reflect on your achievements and contributions to the company. Be specific about how your work has benefited the organization. Next, research industry standards. Know what others in your role and experience level are earning. This information will give you a realistic idea of what to ask for.
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Quentin Sallat
Co-Founder at Zero One/Studio Zero Games - Sports+Gaming Entrepreneur - Top Leadership Voice - HES
In a conversation such as this one, it's always a good idea to take the perspective of the other person, in that case, probably your boss, or at least someone who is going to decide what your raise will be. Try to think about their goals, personal or professional, and how you've helped them achieved these goals. In a sense, how you've contributed to make them look good to the rest of the organization through your work. Try to convey these things that you've done through the conversation should help to show your value.
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Brian Decker, SPHR
HR Business Partner, Strategic HR| Diversity & Inclusion Advocate|
Highlight specific examples of your contributions to showcase your value during the discussion. Discuss completed projects that had a significant impact, improvements you have spearheaded, and any additional responsibilities you've successfully taken on. Quantify your achievements where possible to provide concrete evidence of your value to the organization. By demonstrating the tangible ways in which you have positively impacted the company, you reinforce your request for a salary increase or recognition of your contributions.
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Liam Enticknap
Director of Networks | Head of IT | Head of Infrastructure | Project Manager | Programme Manager | CTO
The absolute best way to do this is to keep a record. If someone highlights you for good work in an email file it away, if its not in an email and its on a call/in person and not minuted then ask if that person would send it to you, or even to send it to your manager with you on CC. As the conversation moves forward consider printing/showing all of these acknowledgements to your manager. These should all be backed up with your own record of completed projects, resolved issues, and even general contribution to the company overall, not just the professional but the cultural engagement too.
Negotiation is a two-way street, so be prepared to compromise. If your employer cannot meet your exact salary request, consider other forms of compensation such as additional benefits, flexible working hours, or professional development opportunities. It's important to go into the negotiation with a clear understanding of what you're willing to accept and where you can be flexible.
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Nick Daniel Lichanos Cochrane
Professor of Business |๐1.6 Million Social Media Followers @daniellichanos |๐CEO, LACFactor |๐Principal, Unique Old Homes |๐คTedx Speaker |๐ง Wizard of Extraordinary Customer Experiences
Negotiation is a two-way street, so be prepared to compromise. If your employer cannot meet your exact salary request, consider other forms of compensation such as additional benefits, flexible working hours, or professional development opportunities. It's important to go into the negotiation with a clear understanding of what you're willing to accept and where you can be flexible.
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Liam Enticknap
Director of Networks | Head of IT | Head of Infrastructure | Project Manager | Programme Manager | CTO
If this is the first conversation with your manager it's the perfect time to say what you're hoping to achieve financially, this allows them to counter and say what they'd need to see from you for them to budget the increase on your behalf. More than 10% of your salary a year is considered a large jump unless there are exceptional circumstances, have this in mind when negotiating. If you achieve more than 10% you may not see another raise for a couple of years.
After the discussion, send a thank-you note to your employer expressing gratitude for considering your request. Regardless of the outcome, this shows professionalism and helps maintain a positive relationship. If you've agreed on a raise or alternative compensation, ensure that there's a clear understanding of the next steps and timeline. If the answer was no, ask for feedback and what you can do to be considered for a raise in the future. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and your long-term interest in the company.
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Tony Shafar
Executive & Leadership Coach | Portfolio / Fractional CFO & Finance Director | Ex WPP / Ogilvy FD | Mentor | Helping Finance leaders overcome challenges and gain confidence through coaching | Business Coach
People often avoid discussing raises for fear of being seen as greedy, or not getting a โyesโ to their request, and hearing the thing that they donโt want hear, that maybe they are not valued in the way that they hoped. If you feel that you are worthy of a raise, not asking for it is not serving you or your employer. Failing to ask means that you may have growing resentment, and invariably may start looking for a new role. It may be the case that your boss does want to pay you more, they just had others priorities that they were focused on. By asking for a raise, you may 1) get the increase you want or 2) get clarity that you are not going to get it, which means that you can be clearer on what you chose to do going forward.
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Pramod Patel
Founder Divyangkala | Motivational Speaker | Corporate Speaker | Counselor | Advisor | Actor | Dancer | Poet | #CerebralPalsy #SocialEntrepreneur #Inspirer #EmpowerDisabled
As a leader understands the need desire and style of the employee also understands the working style he is strengths and weaknesses and agrees upon the mutual benefit for the win win situation in the negotiation Keep the communication longer with the right kind of empathy and honesty if the communication is longer than you have more time to understand and convey your message and create a Win Win situation Support communication involves active listening,intent full listening, listen first to understand, asking clarify question, understand other people point of view, being non judgemental ,by being descriptive, being specific, being problem oriented not personal oriented, avoid criticism #Leader #Leadership ##Negotiation #WorkingStyle
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