Why You Should Avoid the Word “Fair” When Negotiating Wages
Asking for a raise can be tricky. You have to get the conversation right, and as Lee E. Miller, co-author of Women’s Guide to Successful Negotiation , points out, that means you probably want to leave out the word “honest.”
Miller told Business Insider:
“The concept of fairness is not an effective way to approach wage negotiations because it makes the employer defensive … When you say, ‘My wage is not fair,’ it gets backlash.”
The advice is addressed to women, but in fact it is a solid argument for all of us. When you ask your employer for a raise, you want to be direct, but at the same time not forget about your professional values – your achievements and responsibilities.
In addition, everyone understands in their own way what “fair” is. However, if your salary is well below the industry standard, Miller recommends the phrase, “I think this is below market, can you reconsider?”
For more negotiating tips, skip to the full post below.
There Is One Word To Avoid At All Costs When You Ask For More Money At Work | Business Insider