For some people, asking for a raise is among the most butt-clenching, anxiety-spreading, nerve-wracking experiences that life can dish up. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. John Demartini offers eight simple ways to ease the nerves and help get what you deserve.
Follow the steps, meet success
Instead of spending 30 unproductive minutes in front of the mirror thinking of what to say, try these eight steps:
1. Compose a list of clear and certain accomplishments you have made for your company and memorise it prior to the raise request meeting.
2. Compose a list of new responsibilities and achievements you have fulfilled or are about to fulfill since your last raise.
3. Define clearly what new wage or salary you desire and feel you deserve.
4. Write out 30+ benefits to the company of paying you the newly desired wage or salary and 30+ drawbacks to the company of paying you only the current wage or salary.
5. Determine the highest values, priorities or objectives of your raise decision maker and demonstrate that you share and are fulfilling those values.
6. Embody the same intimidating traits that your manager might display during the meeting so that you can negotiate on an equal footing. Walk in with the attitude that you will leave the job if you do not get the raise you deserve.
NOTE: If you cannot walk away from the raise request negotiation to an alternative job offer that pays what you desire, then you would be wise to add more value to the company and decision maker by adding to action step 1, 2, 4 before the meeting.
7. Rehearse your raise request presentation, focusing on steps 1, 2, 3, and 4; imagine yourself receiving the raise.
8. Dress for the part and position.
Simple as that?
Maybe.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Time your raise during a company’s more profitable period, when a cash surplus is more likely.
- Request a fair amount – a fair raise in return for added service or productivity.
- When your raise is honored, thank your raise request decision maker; then deliver an even higher quality service than discussed.
- Periodically look or ask for additional responsibilities so you can continue to add value to the company and open the door to future raises.
About Dr Demartini: He was in the famous movie “The Secret ” and has shared the stage with Donald Trump, Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dyer. He is the author of 40 books, which have been translated into 28 different languages and founded the Demartini Institute in 1982 which now offers 72 formal programs dedicated to expanding human awareness and activating human potential.
Image by Ambro
