One of the challenges clients often mention to me is how to ask for a pay raise (or pay rise depending where in the world you are!) It seems to evoke all sorts of fears and disempowering emotions, and while I know there are some men who are affected in the same way, it seems that women find it even more difficult to ask for what they want. But pay isn’t the only thing that motivates people.
Most people (not just women), when asked what is most important to them about their career, don’t put money at the top of the list. Strange but true! Money often rises up the list when times are particularly hard: perhaps you are planning to take on a new financial committment, like a mortgage or loan on a car, and are finding the present salary doesn’t cover it.
Money also rises up the list when my clients are feeling particularly undervalued -perhaps because she feels her boss, or the organisation, are putting strenuous demands upon her, or she sees other people who are less well qualified/skilled/talented earning more.
If asking for a pay raise is an issue for you, I have just discovered a great site all about how to do this successfully. It’s called How To Ask For A Pay Raise And Get It, and it’s written by a woman, for women. Patti Tanji is based in the USA, but what she has to say makes sense whether you are in the US, UK or any other part of the English speaking world. I love this quote from a recent post:
‘For women, asking for a pay raise may fly in the face of everything you’ve been taught. The list of do’s and don’ts of acceptable behavior might include don’t self promote, be nice, do cooperate, do smile. Are any of these behaviors exhibited by a person who is who is standing in their power and asking for more money? Yes they are!’
When we stand in our power, such things all seem to easy and effortless. When we are disempowered, or out of our power, how difficult important things can become!
