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    10 reasons why you didn’t get a raise

    Synopsis

    To be considered a valued worker worthy of a promotion or raise, it is crucial to be a team player.

    raise-1Getty Images
    A basic requirement for a good worker is that he’s efficient, quick and delivers error-free results.
    If you have been ignored for an increment or a promotion for a couple of years in succession, it’s time to get to the root of the problem and find a solution, tell ET Wealth.

    1. You didn’t ask for a raise
    Don’t assume that hard work and tangible results automatically warrant an increment and a promotion. Unless you ask for a raise, it’s unlikely you will get it. This may be because the firm believes you are satisfied with your existing salary and position or, worse, that you haven’t performed well enough to demand a raise. So let your boss know about your expectations and offer sufficient proof of your contribution.

    2. Your reasons for wanting an increment are wrong
    Wanting to buy a new house or being unable to support your family on your existing salary are not good enough reasons for wanting an increment. A raise is an objective, business decision based on facts, figures and performance. So go prepared with concrete proof, outlining your contribution to the company in terms of profit or value addition. If you haven’t justified why you are indispensable, you’ll not get a raise.

    3. You don’t get along with others
    Nobody wants a worker with high nuisance value. So if you are constantly getting into arguments with colleagues, are complaining a lot, and are being avoided by people who don’t want to work with you, it’a cinch you are not high on the list of candidates being considered for an increment or a promotion. If you want a raise, develop people skills and make yourself likeable.

    4. You want to go it alone
    To be considered a valued worker worthy of a promotion or raise, it’s crucial to be a team player. If you are a part of a team and refuse to share credit or blame with others, you will not be elevated in the company or considered for a leadership role. If you are a team leader and do not take all the members along with you, and are always looking to hog the limelight or pin the blame on others, don’t be surprised if you don’t get a raise.

    5. Your expectations are too high
    One reason you’ve been overlooked for an increment is that your assessment of your own performance is fl awed. While you assume you have given a stellar performance, your boss may not think so. Another reason could be that you have not considered the market condition and company’s performance. If you think you should get a 15% raise, but the sector has fared poorly, you are likely to get a low increment. So temper your expectations in line with reality.

    6. You are making too many mistakes
    A basic requirement for a good worker is that he’s efficient, quick and delivers error-free results. If you are constantly introducing mistakes in projects, which result in losses for the company and mars its reputation, you will certainly not be in the reckoning for an increment. In fact, you should be glad if you manage to retain your job. So focus on improving your performance and increasing efficiency.

    7. You already get more than you deserve
    If you have missed a raise or promotion, check where you are placed in the organisational hierarchy. If your salary is higher than the pay-scale at your level, or your designation is as per your seniority level, the company may decide to withhold either for a couple of years. Another reason could be that you have been hired at a salary that is commensurate with your performance. If you show no significant improvement, you may be considered to be getting what you deserve.

    8. You only do what’s expected of you

    One sign of being a mediocre performer is that you only do what you are supposed to do. If you routinely and enthusiastically go beyond your defined set of duties and responsibilities, you will not only be noticed and appreciated, but also get a raise. So if you have been ignored for an increment in the past few years, analyse your own performance and make sure you’re not a mediocre worker.

    9. You refuse to learn new skills
    If you want to rise in the organisation with periodic promotions, you will need to upskill yourself, be updated on the latest developments, and adapt to changes. If you resist and don’t keep up with new technology or information relevant to your industry, you will not be able to provide value addition and will be sidelined. Forget the raise; you may have to look for a new job.

    10. You don’t find solutions, only create problems
    Are you always running to your boss or other colleagues with problems? Are you unable to find solutions when juniors or team members come to you for help? If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions, it may be the reason you have not been getting an increment or a promotion. This is more true of people in senior positions, where they are expected to have firefighting skills and a solution-oriented mindset. If you have all the answers, nobody will question your promotion or increment.

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    (Your legal guide on estate planning, inheritance, will and more.)

    Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.

    ...more
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