Management Advice

[Barclay]

I was just promoted to the contract site lead position at my job (a bunch of computer engineers). I interviewed for this position along with about 12 other people. It is additional duties on top of my current position.

The position did not include any compensation but after very tough negotiations, I was able to get a 2.5% increase in salary. I had to really play hard ball and stand my ground and still only received a small portion of what I asked for. We did not receive annual raises this year and have been told by many people that we should just count our blessings for still being employed. It just sounds like baloney to me.

Anyway, one of the other applicants for the position works closely with me. I was a bit too open with her on my negotiations for the increase. I have not told her how much I actually received. My plan is to get 3-4 other employees to help with the new tasks. I have two volunteers so far. I really want her help and she volunteered to help before she found out about the raise I received. She made the following comment on Friday after I was announced as the new lead. "Why would I help you for free?" I think she was just joking, but now I'm afraid to ask her for assistance.

How would you handle this? I'm thinking of just being open with her and telling her how much I got. She still probably makes more than I do. I have only been with this company for 15 months. She has been here for 10 years.

[Barclay]

By "a bit too open" I meant that her and I compared notes after the interview. I told her I was disappointed that they were not offering compensation along with the promotion. I explained that I would NOT take the position without compensation.

So, she knew my position on that.

[phantom]

First off, congratulations on your promotion and your somewhat successful negotiations!

How would you handle this? I'm thinking of just being open with her and telling her how much I got. She still probably makes more than I do. I have only been with this company for 15 months. She has been here for 10 years.

I don't think I would tell her exactly what you got. There's always a chance that you you just leap-frogged her salary, in which case telling her would probably do more harm than good. I don't know what the right course of action is, but I'd probably just ask her again some time when no one else is around. I think you can be honest about not knowing whether or not she was joking the last time she refused. It sounds like you two had a good relationship before this happened, and that whether or not she's willing to help, you should be able to have a positive conversation with her.

It won't help you out in rounding up volunteers, but I would suggest making sure you show those who do help you how much you appreciate it. Since everyone is probably feeling a bit unappreciated thanks to the lack of raises right now. I would look for some small way to repay anyone who helps you out with your new duties. Perhaps bake a batch of cookies and give everyone who helps a small package.

[snafu]

This is an incredibly sensitive situation. You needn't tell her you actually got a raise. You can 'fudge' the truth a bit by saying you were very disappointed by the salary. I recall reading that employees really like compliments that are sincere. They want to be told they've done a good job or exceeded what was required. You needn't be smarmy but I'd write a list of meaningful positive statements to let your helpers know you need them. If there are any small reward you can give like leaving early or noting c operation on their records, or suggest names for annual bonus.