How to Ask for a Raise

Find the Opening

Whenever the opportune moment is set up and you're actually asking for a raise, break it down. If you were at dinner, you'd never demand "Salt! Now!" of your dining companion. You'd ask nicely. So proceed with negotiations as you would all business dealings: use a softened start-up, evidence and an open question -- or perhaps even better, an open statement.

The soft start-up approach follows the same formula as a constructive complaint. When you begin the process with a compliment, your audience will be much more receptive. As you pass into framing evidence of the problem, the onus transfers to your boss to imagine himself in the same situation. Then, when you conclude with an open question, your boss can be free to brainstorm solutions.

It works because the conversation is structured so that you're working together on a solution, instead of turning yourself into one more burden your boss has to shoulder alone.

For example, if you were at a dinner where the salt appeared to be hoarded, you might say, "This soup is intriguing, but something's missing. As one who brought in 15% more salt this year than last, I think my broth needs a sprinkle."

Let the Games Begin

Once negotiations begin, be patient.

Most salary negotiations fall short of the employee's goals because they end too soon -- mostly out of fear.