There are some things you just don’t know how to get through to your boss. They could be salary related, coworker related or even relevant to the work you do. These things may be uncomfortable to bring up but they must be said. Obviously, an uncontrolled rant is unprofessional and will get you nowhere – it may even end up causing you trouble. Here’s a practical guide to broaching some of these difficult conversations in a meaningful and impactful manner.

I feel I deserve a raise

If you want a salary raise, you need to be able to explain why you deserve it, backed up with tangible examples of achievements and a quick brief on what’s caused this need to rise up. Whatever the reason may be (additional responsibilities, broader job definition), ensure that you go into this conversation with everything clearly documented, along with your raise expectations.

Remember, be prepared for all eventualities. If an immediate pay rise can not be guaranteed, discuss a timeline for when and how it would happen. In case the increment doesn’t seem to on the table, you could even discuss other ways the organisation could recognise your hard work, such as flexible working hours or a new (official) title.

I love my job, but I feel overworked and undervalued and I’m looking elsewhere.

Hard-working employees can sometimes find themselves underappreciated by their managers, a negative consequence of the complete confidence the manager has in their ability to do their job. Unfortunately, this can lead to a burn out.

This is a situation that needs urgent resolution. Discuss an actionable course with your boss; outline changes that need to be made to bring you back in sync. If you find yourself being walled out on everything, it’s time to look elsewhere.

My coworkers are holding me back

Be very tactful when broaching this particular conversation – an insensitive approach might end up suggesting that you are questioning your boss’s decision making ability, something that will make your discussion go downhill rapidly!

Instead, you could put a positive spin on this, suggesting ways to help the team improve their skills or developing new ones. This way, your boss becomes aware of what the team’s lacking and how to make up for it. You are also able to cement your position as a dependable, reliable resource with great team awareness, instead of coming off as cocky and unprofessional.

I feel I can do my job just as well remotely, if not better

We know, we know. This one’s really far-fetched given Pakistan’s general work environment (and perhaps the social stigma) but it’s fast becoming an acceptable practice worldwide. If remote work is the way you feel you can truly be more productive, then you need to present your boss with effective benefits for the organization that are brought about by this decision. If your boss is (understandably) reluctant, suggest a trial run – let the increased productivity and output of that period be its own statement for setting this up as a long-term decision.

Last ditch scenario: If you boss isn’t willing to give it a timed evaluation, consider pitching flexi-hours. Tracked evidence of positive returns would be the selling point yet again.

In summary: Whenever you find yourself needing to bring up something sensitive or uncomfortable with your superiors, remember to be courteous, prepare a nuanced argument well in advance and back up your proposals with evidence. These tips are your best shot at getting what you want, without coming off in a negative light!

Also Read: How to Deal with a Bossy Boss