Q & A Table of Contents
Underpaid And Bullied
From: MaryAnne, Naples, FL
Question: I am underpaid in my position and each time I discuss salary increases, the company president (my boss) alludes that we aren't doing very well and although I deserve a raise, it has to wait. I've gotten just 2 increases in 5 years. I am severely underpaid for my position based on the industry and the average national rankings, as well as knowing my salary vs. salaries in lower positions.
The atmosphere is severely gender biased and I am the only ranking, decision making female in the company (100 employees, only 4 other women in lower positions). The glass ceiling effect is in effect and I'd like any advise on breaking the cycle. There are many levels of bullying, chauvinistic attitudes and undermining in our workplace.
I have a low profile on the political side, and I believe that because I don't play the game I don't look as strong to the owners, even though I have much respect from co-workers and know that I've made an impact at our company.
Although I really like my job, I also get handed the often difficult jobs because I put enormous amounts of time and effort into my position. When others fail, I end up being forced to absorb their work. When I have expressed that this behavior can not continue and that I need support, it is immediately promised and then pulled back, slowly but surely.
How can I stop this bullying (without sounding like a whiney female) and take a professional stand that I will not work 10-20 hours per week more than everyone else?
I also have another two part question: a) How do I negotiate for more money right now, and most importantly b) how do I successfully move onto another job and jump to a correct, and higher pay scale?
Response: You raise a number of complex issues but do an excellent job of summing up the situation in your final paragraph.
a. You say that your boss expresses agreement that you are underpaid, but that current circumstances are a problem regarding an immediate raise. You need to follow his statement with a series of questions: Are all raises in the company being held back under the current conditions? What factors will make it possible to provide the delayed raises? Given that you have told me several times in the past that you recognize I have been underpaid, how will I be compensated for my wait once raises are being handed out?
It is also critical to ask Why is it the company's interest to retain me in my current job -- could you give me a list of my accomplishments you find particularly impressive/significant? What value to you place on my availability to go the extra mile when others fail to perform; how will this be reflected in my future pay and other perquisites on the job?
b. By giving thought to looking for an alternative workplace where you will be treated fairly, you are preparing to take the step of strengthening your BATNA, your Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. Since your question does not provide any information about your workplace or the functions you perform, it is hard to make guesses about your marketability to another employer.
You need to gather a bunch of testimonials from supervisors, colleagues, and suppliers/clients with whom you work. Don't say, "I'm looking for another job, please write something good about me." Rather, when you find yourself pleased and impressed with the work of colleagues, offer to write them a commendatory letter and ask them whether they are willing to reciprocate. This may be a slow process, but gathering supplies before setting off on your trek to a better place won't happen overnight.
As you consider alternative workplaces -- and professional activities -- think of yourself as a product. Ask "How can I add value to the work of the X Company?" You need to find out what other employers need, then find ways to characterize yourself in ways that makes you a more appealing product.
In the process of developing your new package and finding out what alternatives exist in the job market, you are going to refine your sense of your value in your current job. If there is no place to get another job, that is important to know. But if there are appealing jobs out there, that will give you more confidence when you tell your boss that things need improvement.
Self-assertion is not a characteristic that should be thought of as making you a 'whiney female'. You are simply a human being who contributes to your company and deserves, like all others, to be treated fairly. If your boss answers the same question from a man differently than he does if a woman asks it, you should ask him why he has done so. Don't accuse him of being a male chauvinist pig, just give him a chance to realize that you are an intelligent person who can draw conclusions from facts on the ground.
Good luck and may you find choices that work well for you.
Steve
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