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What to do if you find out your coworkers salary...and it's more than you
I recently found out the salary of my coworker - we do the same job, they have very similar experience to me and went to a comparable school, but they make nearly 20% more than I do.
We have the same manager so I've contemplated talking to him about it but I don't know what to say/am not sure that my co-worker should have told me to begin with.
Tarah Keech
Life Coach, Leadership Coach, Retreats
559
12/28/18 at 4:43PM UTC
This is a big, brave thing you're considering.
As a boss and someone who's had to negotiate a similar situation for myself, here's what I learned:
1. I assume you're kicking @ss at your role. You're doing great work, you're respected and you're valued by all of those with whom you interact. If not, take a few weeks, plan on ways to improve that and set a reminder to reassess in ~4-6 weeks.
2. Always approach these types of asks openly, with curiosity and respect. I recommend asking for a face-to-face meeting.
3. Then frame your conversation with these types of considerations: "I really love my job, our team and the work we do. I'm invested in our shared success and continuing to contribute in ways that win for us all [Make it all about your boss and your team - how you add value to them]. Would you be willing to consider re-evaluating my salary pay band [No emotion - but simple and direct]. As I've continued to grow and learn our clients, our systems / tools / teams I've added value this way (add any metrics you have to demonstrate your skill) and I am actively working to (list the things you're doing proactively to bring additional value to your client, team and boss) [This is an "ask sandwich" - with proof that they should give you what you're asking for on both sides of the actual request].
4. Then close with, "Will you be able to consider that?"
5. Keep cool and continue to breathe. Wait. And then if they say they will consider it, ask when you can set the follow up meeting to discuss their answer. This promotes their accountability for actually getting you an answer and will give you a natural way to follow up without having to worry or nag them.
You can do this! I would love to know how it goes if you can share back :)
Anonymous
12/18/18 at 3:56PM UTC
I would first make sure that your work loads, expectations, titles/roles are actually the same when doing this comparison before speaking to your manager. Are they being set up for a leadership role or a larger role in the future? If so, that could be the reason why they make more. They also could have just been better at negotiating when they first started.
Anonymous
12/17/18 at 9:22PM UTC
I think there is always a reason for that. And If you 1000% sure that you same job, both have same experience and both could handle same responsibility then you probably should talk to a manger.
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