What I say when people ask me for more money

Overview
The author, Brad Dunn, explains how he handles conversations when a team member asks for more money, a promotion, or a raise. He outlines a respectful, transparent, and data-driven approach that helps managers guide these discussions while aligning expectations with company policies.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare by reviewing compensation bands and performance metrics before the conversation.
• Focus on the employee's impact and market benchmarks rather than personal feelings.
• Use clear, empathetic language to set realistic expectations and next steps.
• Offer actionable feedback and a timeline for future reviews if immediate increase isn't possible.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers and technical leads who conduct compensation discussions.
• Senior engineers preparing to negotiate salary or promotion.
• HR professionals looking for manager guidance on compensation talks.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Data-driven compensation analysis.
• Transparent communication framework.
• Continuous feedback loop for career growth.