FIVE WAYS TO ASK YOUR BOSS FOR RAISE AND GET IT TOO (Courtesy Economic Times, Mumbai Edition)

This one is dedicated to those legends of performance who believe they are at least one level lower than where they ought to be. Theirs has been the classic story of trying to ask their boss for a raise but the very murmur of it has been nipped in the bud.

So, here’s raising a toast to all those gladiators who lost the battle. If you are one of those, read on:

Morse Code your hints:

Just like Morse Code that can explain the severest of news in an ingenious way, asking the boss for a raise should be wrapped in numerable codes and hints.

Ikya Consultants’ CEO Ajith Issac’s love for cars was well known. He was pleasantly surprised when one of his reportees engaged him in a conversation about cars, in particular about one he wanted to buy but didn’t have the money then.

“One thing led to another and before I knew we got talking about his remuneration and need for a raise. He was right to demand one in the right way,” says Issac.

Timing is everything:

Before heading towards the boss’ cabin with every document of good work done, remember the universal truth: Monday mornings or days before the deadline are just not the right days.

Prathish Nair, director-brand strategy and development, Trancend Brand Consulting, recalls an incident where an employee came up before a launch demanding a raise. “Can you do something about it?” he asked. The response: “Can you help me finish the job first?”

Do your homework:

It is mandatory to do a thorough market search and know the industry standards before flagging the word ‘appraisal’ before the boss.

Adil Malia, group president-HR, Essar Group, opines that employees should understand exactly what their counterparts are being paid before asking for a raise.

“Dangling your offer letter before the boss would probably get you the boot if you have not gone through every relevant data on what the market is paying,” he says. One should bear in mind that everytime he does this, his boss is profiling him and doubting his loyalty, Malia adds.

Pay back the company... literally:

Most of us have quelled the strong urge to chuck the piddly raise. But then there are always exceptions.

Kunal Banerji, CEO of Pune-based Absolute HR International, was horrified when a reportee gave him back the appraisal amount plus a one rupee coin as a token! An aghast Banerjie coaxed him to take the amount. “At times the money linked to company performance and one’s level in the hierarchy chain is such that the raise amount is ridiculously low. Afterwards, we ensured he was given the raise he deserved.”

However, this step should be taken with caution, otherwise the appraisal amount would not be the only thing thrown out of the office.

Alter your charter of demands:

Industry heads agree that employees must realise exactly what they are asking for. Salary hikes depend on company structure. A smart employee would work around the compensation structure by asking for better benefits, role changes and fringe benefits that could be more readily given.