New manager, new negotiation.

6 Comments

1. Joanna GiordanoJanuary 23,2022 at 9:49PM UTC

   Test the market and the waters externally? I have heard that since it is currently competitive to get new hires in the door, there are initiatives to adjust internal equity to encourage existing employees to stay out. Attrition is very costly to companies!! They don’t realize how much so. They would lose experience and institutional knowledge. Then they would lose time having to stop, attract, recruit, hire, train a new person. It usually pays to try to keep you.

   i know it’s tough to have that convo but if you get some outside validation, you’ll feel well… validated. At the very least, following a touch on the topic, you put them on notice that you’re a bit dissatisfied about that and they’ll need to do better lest you become a true flight risk. Hopefully they don’t take you for granted.

2. Stephanie Mansueto, Corporate Recruiter & Job Hunting CoachJanuary 24,2022 at 12:50AM UTC

   Have salary increase discussions/justifications been documented anywhere in emails, quarterly or monthly performance check-ins with your previous boss? If so, use these to provide proof these discussions were in the works before your new boss joined but soften the discussion by saying, "I understand you'll want to get to know the team and our abilities yourself, but it would be great to put together a timeline over the next X months for a salary increase should I meet the objectives you're comfortable with." You want to be assertive but also need to demonstrated you're cooperative and understanding that a new manager will want to get to know your abilities.

   Figure out how long you're willing to wait for that bump. If you're looking for it immediately and those discussions were only between you and your former boss without any discussions with senior management or HR, then you'll need to reasonably expect a delay until your new boss gets to know you. Could you wait 6 months? If not, then you may want to consider other opportunities.

   If your boss built your salary increase into team/department budgets or started to notify management above him/her about your increase then you can inform your new boss that senior management was also in agreement with your increase and it was in the works and ask them to chat with management about this to ensure you're still on track.

   Good luck!

3. AnonymousJanuary 24,2022 at 4:31AM UTC

   Dear... I fully agree with Stephanie Mansueto.

   In addition I can only say that Managers work within a framework agreement. So your new Manager is fully entitled "to clear the table" so to speak and change everything.

   Some years ago; it was considered good Management style to honor agreements done between employees and previous Manager; but I actually believe that this golden rule has died in the past years. Not related to Covid 19.

   One could say that if your new Manager has chosen to press "reset" then you are to start from scratch and build that argument for why you should have a raise.

   For argument: document your achievements since latest salary bump. Also provide arguments for where you are unique to the company and add value beyond your role and responsibilities. Stay objective and constructive and be prepared that your documentation may be assessed by others than your new Manager - so no blaming other colleagues/departments.

4. AnonymousJanuary 24,2022 at 2:49PM UTC

   We're you aware that your old manager was going to be leaving? I've been in this position thrice in the last 2 years. I've always asked the departing manager to make sure the incoming manager was up to date on where we stood on salary, goals, etc.

   Unfortunately, it's too late for your situation, but make note of this going forward. Consequently I received 2 raises last year despite all the changes.

5. AnonymousJanuary 24,2022 at 4:43PM UTC

   Was there any written documentation with your old boss outlining the timing if your bump or what was promised?

   If not, I would call a meeting with the new boss, bring copies of your past reviews and salary history. Also include any accommodations or letters of praise your received and a succinct explanation why a raise is due to you. This will help frame your request and arm your new boss with what they need to get you your raise.

6. AnonymousJanuary 25,2022 at 1:47PM UTC

   I went through this twice in 5 years. And it almost happened again last summer. Kept being told they were waiting for HR to approve everything then my bosses boss quit unexpectedly. Thankfully this time my boss was able to get it pushed through. I’m almost positive she did only because I flat out told her make it happen or I’m gone. My only advice is document everything and make sure to get it in writing. My boss is notorious for not putting things in writing and discussing it on calls so there’s no trail. I always follow up those calls with an email saying just for clarification regarding what we discussed on our call just now…