Executive Search
How To Effectively Ask For A Raise
A while back, the phone rang. It was a super talented candidate in ministry who wondered if I had a few minutes for career counseling:
“William, how do I ask for a raise without losing my job?”
Great question from a great guy. He loves his church and his job, but really needs to know if there’s any chance of providing for his family a little better. So what’s a guy to do? Ask the wrong way, and you’re on the wrong side of the boss. You might even end up with no raise and a cardboard box.
We talked for a while, but the bottom line of our talk was two fold:
Do your homework and remember who’s the boss.
During my work as a senior pastor, in human resources, and now in executive search, I've come to believe that these two points are key to effectively asking for a raise.
Homework
Doing your homework before the meeting can make all the difference:
- More than anything, study and rehearse how and why you deserve a raise. What value have you added to the organization? How is the mission of the church better off because of your participation on the team. Be prepared to clearly and efficiently articulate why you are making a difference.
- Benchmark your salary for your job. Before you go into a meeting to ask for a raise, you need to know if you deserve one. There are numerous resources online that can help you understand where your pay falls into the national averages.
- Talk to colleagues. Church salaries can be particularly tricky to get an online average pay, as the "industry" is rather unique and there are often jobs that don't fall into one neat category.
- Learn your organization. The longer I work at helping churches and ministries find staff, the more I realize that every church pays differently. Some are below market and proud of it. If that's your situation, you should set lower expectations for a raise. While you shouldn't expect to know what everyone in your organization makes, you can probably get a general idea with a few sensitive quesitons.
- Learn how and when to ask. Timing can be everything. Many churches have an employee handbook that will outline how and when raises and bonuses are given.
Respect
The Bible reminds us to respect those in authority over us. That includes your boss, even if you don't like him. Compensation meetings can be your prime opportunity to show respect (without being fake). Never forget who the boss is. Meetings that back your supervisor in a corner will usually end poorly.
- Do all you can to honestly seek your boss' approval before you ever get to the meeting. See Michael Hyatt's must read piece on this.
- Make a list of ways you have helped the organization, especially ones that are not in your job description. What initiatives have you undertaken that weren't necessary? What are you doing that you were never asked to do?
- Show your passion for your job. In donor development, we always say that "dollars follow vision, not guilt." Show your boss how much you believe in what is happening at your church, and how much you want to be a part of what's going on. Raises follow those who are sold out to the vision of the church.
- Avoid the pity party. Just as you cannot guilt people into long term generosity, you cannot guilt your boss into a raise. Usually, just the opposite is true. A pity party forgets that your boss is your boss, and plays on his emotions. It usually causes bosses to see employees as needy at best, and a liability at worst.
- Never, ever say "If I don't get a raise, I may not be able to stay here." At this point, the employer is no longer the employer. You have essentially held your boss blackmail. Most bosses, if they are smart, will take you up on your offer to leave the organization.
- Be specific. With a well researched opinion, be prepared (if asked) to give a reasonable amount of increase that you believe you deserve. Don't be guilty of "not having because you never asked."
I hope this helps you, and would love to hear your stories, opinions, or additions to this list. What would you add to the conversation?
