Dear Landa
Dear Landa,
I recently witnessed a co-worker getting a really nice raise and a better title—all because she told the powers-that-be about a job offer she had from a competing firm and they really wanted to keep her.
So I figured I’d do the same thing. I asked for a raise and told them if I didn’t get it, I would leave for a competitor. They said, “hasta la vista baby.” Of course, I didn’t have another offer, so I lost my job. I just thought since it worked for her…
Where did I go wrong??
Signed,
Unhappy and unemployed
Dear unhappy,
In short, what were you thinking??? Do I really need to point out the obvious? Threats are rarely effective and empty threats are worse. First, you’re not telling the truth (i.e. a nice way to say you lied). Next, any threat is a very offensive move that no one likes to receive. Third, you don’t really know the situation with the co-worker. Office gossip is rarely, if ever, reliable. So to risk your job on such an idea is not a great idea.
A better idea might be to research negotiation skills and tactics and approach that discussion armed with some information. Also, it does help if you’re a productive and over-achieving employee. Someone who tries to take a shortcut is not really promotion-material.
Take a look at our next blog. Might be some helpful tips there. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Landa
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