Hi, Sue!

How are you? Staying safe and healthy, I hope. Quick question - do you have any info on how to best negotiate a raise, even if just a small one?

Hi Linda, 

How nice to hear from you.  It sounds like you want to stay with your organization at least for a while.

My first question is, are you staying because you like it and you can see value in what the organization is providing to their customers and you are providing to the organization?  Do you feel like you’re in career growth mode? Are you making contacts in fields/organizations you are interested in?

Second, are you designing your request to see if you are willing to stay or not; or if your boss likes you enough that you feel some security?

Third, What’s prompting your thought for a raise now?  Is it dissatisfaction on the job?  A promise that was not yet kept?  An increase in available funds and now you know they can afford it? A significant milestone is met and you deserve reward?  Additional responsibilities have been added?

I’m bothered by your word “small.”  If you’re in a situation where your boss doesn’t like or value you enough that they want to give you all they can, then this is not the place for you. (I hate to be so blunt, but you went through hell in the last place and this may be better – which is not the same as good – and may still be beaten down a bit.  It’s hard to see while you  are in it.) You do good work and deserve to be well-paid.

How does top leadership view you? Maybe they don’t get the value you bring?  Are they acting on your ideas/leadership?

The principles of negotiating raises are the same as negotiating salaries - left hand column (the work, what you bring to the table, accomplishments) and then right hand column (fair wage compared to market, reward for job well done (and they want to keep you), and enough compensation to keep your ability to do the work in fine shape.) Mostly likely what’s hard for you is saying the words, not justifying it.

Please let me know what you decide. I know you will make the right call.

Best,

Sue