Q & A Table of Contents
I've Got What It Takes To Deserve A Pay Increase, But Will They Understand
From: Angel, Florida
Question: When I started my present position "Administrative Aide" I was given a job description. I have however been given additional responsibilities that do not match that description. Within one week of my coming aboard, the "Assistant to the Executive Director" moved to another office within the County. A replacement was sought and I did not give thought to the position because I was very busy preparing for the upcoming Summit and it never crossed my mind.
Throughout the Summit, my boss, the Executive Director, realized that my skills far exceeded her expectations and mentioned that she was going to work on getting a raise for me once I completed the CAB (Certified Agency Buyer) program, which I did recently.
She went before the personnel committee asking for a ten thousand dollar a year raise and a re-evaluation of my position.
It was brought up at the meeting by one person, the Chair, as to my background and salary history, and the fact that it is normally only a 7% increase is given when a person is promoted. However, this commission only lasts two years before it is dissolved in 2003. The requirements for the position that I now fill only in actuality, not title, states 'or any equivalent experience or training'. I possess 20 years office, supervisory, and management skills. I am a student in paralegal studies, will be certified in 10/01.
What are my options or shall I say, what issues do I need to bring out at the next personnel meeting to get the full $10,000.00 increase. It appears that the chair is concerned that the media will find out and it will cause a problem. I really don't see how that will be a problem if we have documentation of my skills, background and work history.
Response: If the Commission has a two year life, if your direct boss is convinced you should have the $10 thousand salary increase, your smartest move is to enlist your boss as your partner and advocate in the promotion/pay increase process. Ask her how she feels you should work as a team to develop and implement a strategy to convince the Commission's Chairperson. How should you deal with other members of the Commission's governing board to enlist their agreement.
If the Chair is THE BOSS, the important thing is to look for ways to make him/her conclude that giving you the raise will make the Chair look good and wise. Perhaps if you have an alternative job to which you could go at a more appropriate pay level that will convince the Chair to make an extra effort to keep you.
Is the Chair hiding behind some rules or is s/he really concerned about the publicity as his/her top priority? Can you generate some favorable personal publicity that underscores your value to the public before the meeting? Is there someone in the media with whom you have contact who might want to let the public know what a gem you are?
You need to explore as wide a range of 'goodies' as possible. What does each party to the negotiation -- or their constituencies -- have to gain or lose by giving you the raise? If you can't get the whole raise, can you get a binding promise (written) that you'll be given a bonus at the end of the Commission's life that will bring you up to the $10 thousand per year your boss thinks you deserve? Are there other kinds of rewards that could satisfy you: tuition for your kids, health insurance coverage paid by the County until you reach retirement age?
If you and your boss brainstorm together you have a much better chance of developing a negotiating strategy that will yield a favorable result.
Good luck, I'm sure you deserve it.
Steve
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