Q: I recently completed my undergraduate degree in human resource management. The whole time I was in school, my boss kept saying that she would work on getting my pay increased once I graduated.
Now that I have my degree, my manager says she can't give me a raise because this isn't a common practice in our company. Also, she said the human resources director feels that I don't deserve an increase because of tardiness and because I missed some committee meetings that he chaired.
I've now started graduate school in business administration, but I don't think my efforts to enhance my career are appreciated. What do you think?
A: Sounds like your boss spoke too soon and promised too much. Her assurance that she would "work on" getting you a raise apparently meant exactly that. Unfortunately, her work didn't produce the desired results.
Managers need to realize that simply uttering the phrase "pay increase" immediately heightens expectations. Unless your boss knew she could deliver the goods, she never should have mentioned a possible salary upgrade.
Since you work in HR, ask your compensation specialist whether earning a degree ever has triggered a salary adjustment. If a precedent exists, you may be able to make a case for an increase.
However, you also have a political obstacle to overcome. To get raises, promotions and other workplace goodies, employees must make favorable impressions on higher-level managers. Regrettably, you seem to have done just the opposite.
Your tardiness and absence from meetings appear to have offended the director, who may view these work habits as a sign that you are not particularly serious about your career. His beliefs, even if they are inaccurate, will affect your future.
If you want your boss's boss to support your advancement, you must demonstrate that you are just as dedicated to your job as you are to your education. Then, if you still feel unappreciated, you can always take your talents elsewhere.
Q: I am in charge of ordering supplies for our office. I try to be frugal and consider costs, but lately my manager has been ignoring my input.
For example, we need alcohol wipes to clean the phones in our call center. An office-supply store sells them for 12 cents apiece, but a discount retailer has exactly the same thing for one cent apiece.
My boss insists on buying the more expensive office-supply brand because the discount box is labeled "facial cleanser." How do I get him to see that these cheaper wipes are just the same?
A: You are to be commended for your concern about the company budget.
However, if your boss doesn't want "facial cleanser" on the supply room shelves, you probably should just drop the subject. Since the choice of wipes doesn't affect your job or your pocketbook, I suggest saving your energy for more significant issues.
- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.