Tactical Empathy
– Understand what your boss or team is struggling with and show empathy: ‘I know Q3 was tight for the team.’
– Listen more than you speak.
Timing The Ask
– Ask after a recent win.
– Avoid stressful times like Mondays or major deadlines and title your calendar invite: ‘Career Growth Chat’.
Calibrated Questions
– Ask things like:
– ‘What would need to happen for a raise to be considered?’ – ‘How can I align more closely with team goals?’
Present Your Wins
– Write down 3-5 accomplishments with numbers and show impact on the company’s goals.
– Speak with clarity and confidence.
Your Target Number
– Use Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, or Fishbowl to research and ask 15-20% above your goal.
– Practice saying it aloud.
Expand the Conversation
– If money is off the table, ask for more PTO, professional development or training budget, new title, flexible schedule
Stay Collaborative
– Don’t issue ultimatums. Say: ‘I’d love to grow with the company. Can we build a plan together?’
Stay positive even if the answer is no!
Don’t leave without taking our MONEY PSYCHOLOGY QUIZ!