How do I negotiate a raise?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to get paid what you're worth, but every time you think about asking for a raise, you chicken out.

Waiting rarely leads to raises.

Causes & evidence

Bring results and market data. See salary research.

What to do

1. List your accomplishments with numbers.
2. Research market pay.
3. Request a meeting and state your ask.
4. Get the outcome in writing.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: asking out of the blue, or making it about personal expenses. Prepare a short list of your accomplishments with concrete results. Research pay for similar roles. Time it well, like after a big win or before budgets are set. Practice your pitch out loud. If the answer is no, ask what you'd need to achieve and when you can revisit. Follow up in writing. Bring a one-page summary to the meeting so your manager can share it with whoever approves raises. If the budget is frozen, ask about other options like a title change, training, extra paid time off or a review date in a few months, and get any promise in writing.

Speed Man tip: If it's a no, ask what it would take.

Wrap-up: Show results. Use data. Ask clearly.