Life Coaching
The Sunday Age
Sunday May 9, 2004
Gemma Summers has a PhD in social psychology and is a practising life coach.
NAME: Megan
AGE: 39
PROFESSION: Hospitality manager
RELATIONSHIP: Married with children
WHAT MEGAN SAYS: I'm due for my annual performance appraisal and would like to ask for a salary increase. What's the best way to approach it?
WHAT GEMMA SAYS: Asking for a raise can sometimes elicit feelings such as apprehension and insecurity. However, feelings must be held in check and reasoned argument and facts must used.
First, contact your HR department for policies and procedures on salary increases and role promotions. Also ask for information on how jobs are evaluated.
Demonstrate your value
To justify an increase in salary you need to demonstrate your increased value to the organisation. Therefore, present data on how your achievements have resulted in gains for the organisation. Evidence may include:
• Added responsibility
• Special project work resulting in enhanced capabilities
• Increased productivity
• Creation of programs or procedures that improved business functioning.
• You can also use position descriptions to show how you now operate at a higher skill or responsibility level than in your original position description.
Ask for the criteria: If your bid is unsuccessful, ask your manager to explain why. Don't become angry but ask for the specific criteria upon which a future request would succeed.
Plan for future success
If at first you don't succeed, ask for non-monetary rewards that will help you renegotiate your salary in the future. A new position title that reflects increased responsibility acknowledges your value. Performance development training to increase your capabilities places you in a stronger position for future promotions. Project work that raises your profile and connects you to more influential players increases your exposure.
Stay open to new challenges and become visible.
Email Gemma at sunday@theage.com.au
© 2004 The Sunday Age