Issues around Confidentiality of Your Salary: Don’t Communicate!

It’s one of the unwritten protocols in business: Never, ever discuss your salary with anyone besides your manager! (Or immediate family.)

I have seen so much damage done by people comparing notes on pay levels. You gain nothing by knowing this information, and even less by discussing it freely.

You might think that knowledge of what others are paid will help you in your salary aspirations. It won’t. Rest assured, most organizations try to pay (and treat) staff fairly.

Recognize two additional unwritten rules about compensation.

1. Every position has a certain value to an organization. This value is based in part on what it would cost to replace you.

2. No mileage exists for anyone in underpaying you. The longer you stay with a company, the better you will end up being paid.

It’s not unreasonable to ask for more money. Just discuss it with your manager ALONE.

Otherwise, be discreet about your compensation and do not discuss with anyone other than your manager.

Focus more on increasing your value to your company. This usually translates into better pay!

The Importance of Communication with Your Immediate Supervisor

Usually, your immediate manager provides the gateway to your success.

If you are given a choice, choose that person wisely because they can really help you.

If you’re not given a choice, how should you cultivate a good relationship?  Key question: Ask them how they like to receive their communications, and through what technology. This at least shows you’re interested in communicating, and you’ll receive some insight on how they process communications.

In business, the relationship with your manager is called your “primary relationship”.

During the interview for a job or promotion, ensure you can communicate well with this person. If you can’t “connect” on a personal, face-to-face level, maybe this is not the job for you.

You also need to respect them, trust them, and understand them. Learn to “scratch their back” and they, in turn, will scratch yours.

Your manager will expect you to be a quick study, and if you have any questions: Don’t be afraid to ask, especially in the early days of your new job. What can you reasonably ask of your manager? Simply put: Ask anything that will help you do your job more effectively.

If you feel that trust and respect are issues, make the most of the situation. You can always learn from anyone. Even if you learn how NOT to do something in a certain way. It’s all a learning experience.

Handling those “Personal” Appointments

Your company will likely have a policy on how to handle personal appointments (haircuts, dentist visits, etc.). Regardless of your company policy, it’s not a bad idea to try and handle those appointments on your own time, if you can.

Sometimes that is not possible with medical matters, and employers tend to be reasonable about it. Still, there’s a balance.

You don’t want to give the impression you’re entitled to “time off” for whatever reason. You’re not!

Communicate with your immediate boss. If you take time off, make up the time! And schedule “cosmetic” appointments outside business hours, please, always.

Do you believe employees are given enough time to handle personal appointments? 

Should some exceptions, other than medical or dental, be made?

Technology Etiquette Depends on Corporate Culture (and Good Manners)

If you join a “conservative” company, you are going to have to bend over backwards to be respectful in the use of technology. In other words, you can’t text non-stop in meetings and continually go into your Gmail or Twitter account on company time.

Some companies are digitally focused and accepting of a technological free-for-all; many are not.

If you’re seeking success in a business, just look around and see how everyone else handles themselves.

We delivered a workshop recently to a large bank. You will appreciate our instructor, Amy, was not expecting the participants to be using their BlackBerries during the session. At the break, Amy went to them and said, “Do me a favour. Maybe you could use your BlackBerry on the breaks or at lunch.”

One participant turned around and said, “When you earn as much money as I do, you can tell me what to do.”

We thought the response to be totally out of line.

I’m guessing that person is no longer employed – financial meltdown or no financial meltdown.

Courtesies, respect and politeness go a long way!

Respect your corporate culture.

Should all corporate cultures adapt to allow people to use technology for personal use?
What are some of the pros and cons of allowing more digital freedom in the workplace?