Here's how you can navigate the conversation about a raise with your supervisor in Business Operations.

1 Prepare Well

Before you initiate the conversation about a raise, it's essential to be thoroughly prepared. Document your achievements, highlighting how your work has positively impacted business operations. Have you improved processes, saved costs, or increased productivity? These are your selling points. Understand the market rate for your role and be ready to articulate why your performance merits an increase. Preparation will not only give you confidence but also provide a strong foundation for your request.

2 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to talk about a raise is almost as important as the conversation itself. Aim for a period when business operations are running smoothly and your contributions are fresh in your supervisor's mind. Avoid busy seasons or moments of crisis. Ideally, schedule this discussion after the successful completion of a significant project or during a performance review, when your impact on the company is most visible.

3 Articulate Value

When you're in the meeting, focus on communicating the value you bring to the business operations. Speak to specific examples where your skills and efforts have led to measurable improvements. Discussing how you've optimized workflows or enhanced team productivity demonstrates your commitment to the company's success and justifies your request for a raise.

4 Practice Diplomacy

It's important to approach the conversation with a diplomatic tone. Be respectful and professional, even if the response isn't immediately positive. Your supervisor may need time to consider your request or discuss it with higher management. Maintain a positive attitude and express your willingness to continue contributing to the company's success, regardless of the immediate outcome.

5 Consider Alternatives

Sometimes, a direct increase in salary might not be feasible due to budget constraints or company policies. In such cases, be open to alternative forms of compensation. This could include additional benefits, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, or even a clearer path to promotion. These alternatives can also represent a significant boost to your overall job satisfaction and career growth.

6 Follow Up

After the conversation, it's important to follow up. If you've been asked to wait for a decision, respect the timeline given but send a polite reminder afterward. If you've received a positive response, ensure that the agreed-upon raise is documented and implemented. In case of a negative outcome, ask for feedback and what steps you can take to be considered for a raise in the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?