(Final Part 16) 3 Things You Absolutely Must Do To Get a Raise
Persist!
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, That which we persist in doing becomes easier - not that the nature of the task has changed, but our ability to do has increased.
If you get the big N-O. That's O-K. Do not let it get you down. Do not let it stop you. Many, many initial nos have turned into yess in the future. Like I've discussed earlier - this is a perfect opportunity to learn what skills or value-add you need to provide your boss in order to get a raise.
If you get told no, your next question should be what specific obstacles are standing in the way? For example, the no could very well be that is not your appointed or scheduled time for a raise. Simple as that. Timing. In this instance, be sure to ask your boss when the next opportunity for a raise will be and then do everything in your power to be ready to be able to demonstrate the value you bring to the firm.
Or the answer is no because the value you brought to the firm was not enough to merit a raise. Sure that type of critique does not feel good to hear, but perhaps there is a learning opportunity here. Maybe your idea of value is not as dollars and cents as it should be. Maybe your boss can help you clearly define value and how you can bring it to the job.
Remember, feedback is good. Even painful feedback can be quite helpful to gear up for next time. Ask to schedule a meeting in the future before the next round of raises to discuss your progress. Always, always, always be proactive in acting upon the feedback you receive. If you don't, don't expect different results than this time.
Even if you don't get your raise this time, there are other things you can ask for.
-An award
-A bonus
-A promotion
-Attendance at an industry conference
-A new project
You can always, of course, ask for an interim review three to six months out. Then you have got to get moving on planning your next strategy and planning.
I hope this raise discussion has been helpful. I am well aware that it can be stressful. But the results are more than worth the extra effort and risk. Start today in thinking about the value you bring to your law firm and the money will follow!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
