What do you do if you want to negotiate a raise in teamwork without researching salary ranges?

1 Know your worth

Before you approach your manager or team leader for a raise, you need to have a clear idea of how much you deserve based on your performance, achievements, and impact. You can use various sources of evidence to support your claim, such as feedback from clients, colleagues, or stakeholders, testimonials, awards, recognition, or metrics that show how you have improved quality, efficiency, or revenue. You should also consider your level of experience, education, and skills, and how they compare to others in your team or industry.

2 Prepare your pitch

Once you have gathered enough evidence of your worth, you need to prepare a concise and compelling pitch that highlights your main points and shows how you have added value to the team and the organization. You should also state your desired salary or range, and explain why you think it is fair and reasonable. You can use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your pitch and provide specific examples of how you have achieved or exceeded your goals, solved problems, or taken on extra responsibilities.

3 Choose the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to negotiating a raise in teamwork. You want to avoid asking for a raise when the team or the organization is facing a crisis, a budget cut, or a major change. You also want to avoid asking for a raise too soon or too often, as this might signal that you are not committed or loyal. Ideally, you should ask for a raise when you have completed a successful project, received positive feedback, or demonstrated exceptional performance. You should also schedule a meeting with your manager or team leader in advance, and let them know the purpose and agenda of the meeting.

4 Be confident and respectful

During the meeting, you should present your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm, but also with respect and professionalism. You should avoid making ultimatums, threats, or comparisons with other team members, as this might damage your relationship and reputation. You should also be prepared to answer questions, address concerns, or negotiate alternatives if your initial request is rejected or countered. You should listen actively, acknowledge the other party's perspective, and emphasize the mutual benefits of reaching an agreement.

5 Follow up and celebrate

After the meeting, you should follow up with a thank-you email that summarizes the main points of the discussion and confirms the outcome or the next steps. You should also keep track of your progress and performance, and update your manager or team leader on any achievements or improvements that support your case. If you manage to secure a raise, you should celebrate your success and share it with your team, as this will boost your morale and motivation. You should also continue to deliver high-quality work and seek new opportunities to grow and contribute to the team and the organization.

6 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?