Managing people that make more money than you do

Question

I found out that I'll be supervising people that make more than me (my current salary was negotiated based on my salary history, the employer would not give me a range for the position up front). I'm upset. How do I proceed? I'm only on day 7 of the job, and I can't afford to lose it! I don't want to feel ungrateful, but they literally told me the money they 'saved' in the budget hiring me will allow them to pay my subordinates more. I'm just feeling like crap!

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry to hear that! If you'd like to stay with the company I think a great way is to start planning for your performance review immediately (even though you're new!). A few ways to do that is making sure you provide evidence of your accomplishments & tie evidence to the value you're adding within the company. Also, have a new figure with what you want in mind and maybe even practice talking about your current accomplishments with a friend!

Anonymous · Answer

It can happen....it really depends on what kind of managerial role you are in. Many times, sales managers can make less than superstar sales people, for example. Managing people doesn't always mean you make more than others on your team, although that is often the case. What do you do, exactly, if I may ask?

Anonymous · Answer

I agree with the answer to get ready for your performance review - I'd address this at the end of the 90-day probationary period. I understand your concerns, though. The main thing that bothers me here is the comment about saving money by paying you less and giving it to your staff that already make more than you do!! That was an inappropriate comment, in my opinion. Also, I have to disagree with an earlier comment that you should feel honored?! No, you were played for the lowest salary possible; that was not fair to you. If you're supervising the work of your staff--which, to me, means you know how to do their work and you have to make sure it is done right and on time--then you should be making at least the same and reasonably more, than those you're supervising.

Anonymous · Answer

Rather than being upset, you should be honored.  Someone believes you have excellent growth potential as a supervisor or manager.  This is an excellent opportuinty to grow your supervisory range toward an ability to manage a diverse group of reports.  You do not mention what roles your new reports hold.  Are they specialists who command skills in high demand?  Have they worked with the company for longer than you or successfuly completed project or achieved excellent sales results in the past?  Look at what strengths these reports demonstrated to achieve their pay grade.  These are the strenghts you will need to leverage so that you, as their leader can also succeed.

Managing people that make more money than you do

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