Can I have A Raise? Probably not the best way to start off a conversation with your manager. Let's backtrack a bit....you have worked very hard for the same company for several years. You have poked your nose in and around the marketplace and you begin to wonder....is this all I am going to do with my career? And if it is how can I make changes to my career path to earn more of Uncle Sam's coins?
It is a hard conversation to have with any boss/supervisor/VP/Director/SVP etc. There is always that "what's in it for me?" question that remains in both parties' minds during and after this conversation. Just because you have done your job (and well too) doesn't necessarily guarantee you a raise. It seems logical, I know. Even if you know that your market value is higher somewhere else. Remember this - the grass isn't always greener on the other side. My advice? Stretch yourself....prove yourself (yes again).
Ok so now you think I am crazy. That's ok - I think sometimes I am. If you have a good boss - one who genuinely cares - he/she will go to bat for you no matter what. You may not like their response but know this - they are trying to make you more invaluable to the organization. So how do you do this?
Look at your role as a whole part of the company. Then break it down into functions. See where you spend most of your time. Next look at the field you are in (i.e. human resources, finance, sales, marketing, etc.). See if there are other areas within the field that you would like to explore. There has to be at least one or 2 :-) Now see where those things fit within the organization. Would it be a value to the organization for you to go into those areas? Are there any improvements or special projects you could take on within the organization that would be a cost savings, process improvement, or revenue generating?
Then after you have done all of this thinking you can go back to your boss and let them know that these are your thoughts. This will show him/her that you actually care about the organization and you aren't just putting your needs first. This is a way for you to position yourself for greatness (and more $$)
Good luck!
