I work for employers who go the extra mile to create a great work environment. What I really need, though, is a salary increase commensurate with my great work ethic. I could convey this request either through a very respected senior staff member, put my request in writing or personally speak to my bosses. How should I approach this?
Many factors contribute to employee satisfaction — and great bosses and work environment are almost always rated the most important. But that doesn’t mean people don’t want to be shown the money. Write down the objective business reasons why you feel you deserve a raise — which could include how you consistently perform at a high level, generate revenue, etc. Make sure the timing is right — i.e., your employer isn’t struggling financially, in the middle of layoffs, etc. And you stand a better chance of your request being given serious consideration if you make your case directly to your bosses, not through an intermediary. Schedule a convenient time for the discussion, and either bring your reasons in writing to the meeting as a leave-behind, or send it beforehand.
I’m a new executive assistant. Another assistant who has been here a very long time acts like she is in charge of the assistants, even though she isn’t — and she’s trying to take me under her wing. She thinks she is being helpful by giving me the inside scoop on everyone, but I find her just to be a gossip. I don’t want to alienate her, but I don’t necessarily want to be aligned with her. Any advice?
One of the worst things a new employee can do is fall prey to anyone who tries to get you into their clique at work. When that happens they usually do so under the premise of looking out for the newbie. Beware! Before you form any alliance, get the lay of the land first via your own experiences and observations. If there are divided factions at work, be nice to everyone — don’t engage in gossip, and don’t reveal your feelings about anyone to anyone. After you figure out the place, then you’ll know which camp to be in and who to talk about behind their back. Of course, we jest: Always take the high road — over time you’ll be respected by more people for it.