3 difficult habits that get easier over time the more you do them

3 difficult habits that get easier over time the more you do them 3 difficult habits that get easier over time the more you do them How many “positive habits” articles do you need to read before you start  taking action?Here’s the thing about forming positive habits: It is difficult.The things we know we should do, we don’t - and the reason we don’t is because they are challenging.They are not easy. They make us tired, or insist that we (gasp!) “think.”Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!We don’t do them because, in some sense, we fear that they will be as difficult as they feel now,  forever.But the thing is (and anyone who has ever pushed themselves knows this), difficult things get easier the more you do them.Even the really hard habits, the ones that constantly feel strenuous, in some sense get easier with time. And the reason is because you not only become more skilled in that area, but you also become more patient with yourself throughout the process.Here are 3 essential habits everyo ne knows they should do, but tend not  to.And here’s exactly how you can get through the “difficult” phase and make them part of your daily routine.1. ReadingIf you’re reading this right now, you are (in some sense) on the right track.One of my favorite things to ask people is, “What was the last good book you read?” Most people are shocked, and I know the answer before they even say it: “Wow, I can’t remember the last book I read.”Sure, we read blogs, and tweets, and long-winded Facebook posts - but reading a book is different. Reading a book takes time, and patience, and especially when dealing with fiction versus nonfiction, both categories work different parts of your brain.Reading is  essential.I strive to read a book every other week. Two weeks is more than enough time to get through a roughly 300-page book.The best way I have found to create a habit of reading is to have it take the place of your smartphone and “filler time” social media usage.Whether t hat means reading on your iPhone or keeping a book in your backpack or purse, every time you have a few free minutes, open your book. When you’re waiting in line at the grocery store, open your book. When you are on the train, open your book. Anywhere and everywhere you would otherwise compulsively check your e-mail and Facebook notifications (the majority of which are not important), open your book.You’ll be amazed how quickly you move through material, and how much more stimulated your mind feels throughout the day. And, most important, reading will no longer feel like a chore. It will simply become a way to pass the time.A smarter escape, if you will.2. Waking up  earlyThis is the king of “habits I really should do, it’s just that my bed is so comfortable.”If you’re not a morning person, waking up early is horrible. It is not easy. It feels grueling, and you’re fighting yourself all the way to the shower - and then once the hot water hits your head, you practically fall right back asleep then and there.When most people try to instill this habit into their lives, they think it’s all about “waking up early.”It’s actually about something else.It’s about going to bed  earlier.Sleep is the constant.There are only two variables you can change: You either go to bed earlier, or you wake up later.If you want to create a successful early morning routine for yourself, it’s much more about mastering the evening routine that comes before  it.Slow yourself down an hour before bed.Read a book (see above) instead of browsing Instagram, so your eyes can relax. Meditate, or take a warm shower. Do activities that are intended to move you into sleep, so that you can wake up ready to go the next morning.Where people tend to go wrong is they set their alarm for 5:30 a.m., but still go to bed at midnight. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. And then of course, 5:30 rolls around, you’re exhausted, you call yourself a failure, etc.Focus on the night before - and stick with it. Nobody forms a habit after three days. It takes a bit. But once you do it for two or three weeks, it becomes your “normal,” and suddenly waking up early isn’t so difficult anymore.It’s just “what you do.”3. ForgivenessHad to throw a curve ball in here.Forgiveness. Compassion. Understanding. Patience. The act of listening and taking time to see life through someone else’s eyes: For many, this is not easy.What few seem to realize is that forgiveness and humble traits of the sort are not inherent. They don’t just “happen.” You have to practice them - no different than how you have to practice firing pucks at a hockey net to improve your wrist shot.To be forgiving or compassionate, in a way, is a  habit.As soon as you start to think of it as something that you can consciously practice, your approach to it inherently changes.Suddenly, moments, when you are frustrated or upset, become opportunities to react differently.I have witnessed man y people in my life make the proclamation that they are going to “turn things around” or “be better listeners” and then fail to keep their word for longer than a day, or an afternoon, or even an hour.And the reason is simple:  Habits don’t change overnight.Your personality, the way you react to situations, and the energy you bring to the moment is the way it is because that’s what you practice. Every day, in everything you do, that’s what you practice - so if you want to change that, you have to practice something different.But should you stick with it, and continue challenging yourself to step back, reflect, and react differently the next time, the easier it ultimately becomes - until eventually, it is simply “who you are.”This article originally appeared on Inc Magazine.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people

How to preserve morale when the highest performer leaves

How to preserve morale when the highest performer leaves How to preserve morale when the highest performer leaves After two years of hard work, an employee who not only was the highest-performing but also  was a delight to work with, decides to quit, leaving other team members panicking about their future at the company.Here’s how to help your team move forward in this classic situation.Employees need to be well-equipped for changeMake sure there isn’t just one person who knows how to do a crucial task before anyone leaves. Regularly practicing key things like this can really help.  It’s a way to make sure your bases are covered, should someone quit or get sick.Other employees don’t necessarily need to have the same in-depth knowledge as the employee with the most extensive skill set in that area, but they should have a basic understanding and a framework for figuring it out.Talk to employees about what’s to comeDon’t leave everyone else in the dark.In a blog post for the Rapid Learning Institute, President CEO Stephen Meyer writes about how to talk to the team about a “voluntary departure.” This advice also applies when the person leaving the company is a high-performer.“Give some certainty to those who remain. Those who are staying will likely wonder whether and/or how the person is going to be replaced, and whether they’re going to be expected to pick up some of the person’s duties, temporarily or permanently. To the best of your ability, try to address these questions when the departure is announced.”Pay attention during the exit interviewA Paychex WORX post illustrates what managers should be prepared for during the employee’s exit interview.“Employees make the decision to quit a job for many reasons, money may be only one of those reasons. Once their decision is made, you have a valuable opportunity to learn why. Schedule an exit interview soon after the employee informs you of his or her decision and then have an open, honest discussion about the reasons behind the departure. Of course, ‘open and honest’ may include criticism of you and your managerial style. Becoming defensive or denying what the soon-to-be ex-employee says will get you nowhere. Focus on asking questions that can lead to improvements in your team and culture. When an employee quits, perhaps the most important question to ask is, ‘What changes to our business might have kept you on longer?’ “This might just help you make necessary changes for the future.

Executive Networking Dos and Donts for Finance Pros

Executive Networking Dos and Donts for Finance Pros Executive Networking Dos and Donts for Finance Pros Your professional connections have no doubt played an important role over the years in helping you advance your career in finance. And no matter how high you climb the corporate ladder, it’s essential for executive networking to remain a top priority, because you never know when you might need professional advice. In fact, not asking for help is a mistake many executives make, according to a recent Management Resources survey. Nearly a third (30 percent) of CFOs interviewed cited it as the top executive networking blunder. Another 23 percent of respondents said not keeping in touch with professional contacts or reaching out to them only when they need something is the greatest networking mistake executives make. Tim Hird, executive director of Management Resources, offers the following insight to finance executives: “Business is changing so rapidly, no one has all the answers or expects others to. Executives need a robust network, including mentors, peers, staff-level contacts, and experts from within and outside the company, to stay on top of trends, best practices and opportunities. To accomplish this, make sure you serve as a resource for your connections, too.” The following dos and don’ts of executive networking can help ensure you maintain a strong professional network that you not only benefit from but also give back to: DO be a proactive communicator Your professional network is like a living thing: to survive and thrive it must be nurtured diligently. The fact is, if you aren’t diligent about maintaining your connections, you may lose them. Also, if you only contact people when you need something, you risk being viewed as a nuisance - and a bit self-absorbed. Your contacts will easily (and understandably) grow weary of out-of-the-blue and urgent requests for assistance and thus, will be less inclined to assist you. Keep the lines of communication open with your valued contacts by checking in every few weeks or months with a quick email or phone call just to touch base and share any relevant news. Pay close attention to your social media networks and notifications, too. For example, when one of your contacts is celebrating a work anniversary, or announcing a promotion or a new job, be among the first to extend congratulations. DON’T hesitate to help your contacts Executive networking involves both giving and taking. However, our company’s recent survey of CFOs suggests finance executives may not always be giving back to the people in their professional network as much they should. “Not helping others” was among the top five executive networking mistakes cited by respondents. Embrace your role as a resource for valued contacts and be ready to help open doors, make connections and answer questions. And don’t just sit back and wait for someone to request guidance. When you see opportunities to offer advice and insight, reach out and let a contact know you’d be happy to talk or meet up if that person is interested and has the time. DO keep growing your network Your professional network should include diverse contacts at all levels of your profession, including peers and direct reports. Look for mentors and influencers within and outside of the financial field as well. Other strategies for expanding your network include joining and attending the networking events of professional organizations participating in relevant groups on sites like LinkedIn. Finding ways to give back can also help you establish new contacts while doing good for others. Becoming a mentor, for example, is a way to help other professionals develop their leadership skills - and to share your passion for and knowledge about the finance profession. Volunteering opportunities can also help you make new contacts in your local community. DON’T ever fail to say thank you Not thanking professional contacts when they provide help also made the top-five list of executive networking pitfalls in our survey. And really, it is an egregious mistake. There’s just no good excuse for not expressing your gratitude when another person helps you. So, when members of your network step up to assist you, whether it's to offer advice or introduce you to a new connection, be sure to thank them promptly, either through a phone call, an email or a personalized note. If a contact does something especially significant - such as help you land a new position or refer you to a great new hire - show your gratitude by taking that person to lunch or sending a small gift, if appropriate. These simple but meaningful gestures will help you build long-lasting professional connections and ensure your contacts will be glad to assist you again in the future. Even more important, they’ll help you earn a reputation for being a business leader with integrity. Don’t stop your reading here: Get more executive networking tips in our blog post, Powerful Connections: For an Executive Job Search, Networking Is a Must.

How to Break Out of a Work Rut and Keep Growing -The Muse

How to Break Out of a Work Rut and Keep Growing -The Muse How to Break Out of a Work Rut and Keep Growing If you’re feeling stuck in your job, you’re not alone. It can happen for a variety of reasons: Maybe you’ve become captive to your routine, or you’re coping with a difficult boss, or you feel like you don’t quite fit in. But the good news is: It doesn’t mean you have to do something major, like up and quit. You can take smaller steps toward advancement and see if that makes the job you have the one you want, too. As Thomas Jefferson said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” In that spirit, here are three things you can do to break out of a rut and start feeling good about your workdays again. 1. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Network laterally across your company to learn about other departments, and apply your unique perspective to what they’re working on. For example, if your role is more inward-focused (i.e., product, operations, finance), collaborate with the sales team. This will develop differentiated skills such as empathy, storytelling, and public speaking that are keys to growth, particularly as a future leader. You’ll be developing new skills and relationships, and creating equity in yourself. Over her 20-year career at Goldman Sachs (from which she recently retired as a partner) my friend Lisa Shalett went from Head of International Equities Sales and Trading to COO of Global Compliance, Legal and Audit, to Head of Brand Marketing and Digital Strategy. Her advice: Look at every role as a platform for learning and exposure, and always seek steep learning curves. Push yourself to look at your role from other perspectives and ways to add value before you declare yourself stuck. If you are open-minded, you will see opportunities others don’t. Take smart risks, and have confidence in your imagination. In other words, don’t assume that your role at the company is limited to your position’s description. If you look for opportunities for growth, you may find the potential to do new and interesting things, which could open the door for exciting opportunities (and possibly a future promotion). 2. Create Micro-Internships for Yourself Create a series of “micro-internships” for yourself. You have a set of skills consisting not only of the functional ones from your day job, but also the accumulation of your experiences, hobbies, and education. If there aren’t natural places for you to apply your talents at your organization, targeting interesting companies who could use an extra set of hands or eyes, or clients who would pay for someone with your know-how. In 2009, as a research analyst at BlackRock, I became intrigued by startups, but didn’t have the relationships or experience to join one (or start my own). My job at the time was very specialized, focusing on evaluating hedge fund investments. For me, the natural segue was fintech (financial technology) and I got a handful of warm introductions to founders through friends. I shared my background and offered, “to be helpful, with no expectations.” The work I did ranged from critiquing pitch decks, helping with competitive landscape analysis, reviewing financial models, ghost writing blog posts, and making introductions to potential customers. Since it wasn’t an official internship, I got to decide how many hours I could devote to it, as well as how many weeks. Of course, some people may be rolling their eyes at the idea of essentially, “working for free.” However, I had a day job that paid my bills: I was compensated with relationships and a “peek” into the startup life, which were the assets I was looking for. To this day, I have advocates on my behalf (a few even tried to hire me). Plus, I’ve used my new knowledge to become an entrepreneur, something I wouldn’t have been able to do without this experience. 3. Spend Time Working on Your Brand Even if you’re not currently searching for a new company, becoming known as a thought leader’s incredibly valuable. (And no, not just for future job hunts!) Gaining a small following and then sharing original ideas and unique perspectives will almost always lead to interesting discussions and opportunities to learn more about your field. You may think that if you don’t have an audience right now, very few people will read what you’ve written so it’s not worth your time. However, your goal is not to become the next Warren Buffett, it’s to start building a presence so when people do find you, they have a reason to stick around. Whether that’s higher-ups at your company, other industry leaders, or people who aspire to be where you are right now. Maybe you use Pulse articles to flesh out your LinkedIn profile, or perhaps guest post, start a newsletter, or add a blog to your personal website. The point is: You want people to be able to see your awesome ideas and know they came from you. (And if you don’t think your ideas are awesome, spending time really thinking about what you’d like to talk about is a great creative challenge that’s almost guaranteed to get your brain moving again.) A friend of mine who was stuck and trying to get into venture capital wrote a Medium post explaining his view on how changing demographics and technology would influence brands, consumer behavior, and the fabric of metropolitan areas. Would a venture capitalist send it to their LPs? Probably not. Does it serve as a great springboard for further discussion? Absolutely. (Plus: He pinned it to his Twitter profile and it eventually helped him land a role at a top venture fund.) In addition to laying the groundwork for your own insights, publicly sharing your ideas shows dedication, creativity, communication skills, and grit. It’ll get you thinking through your philosophy, which can help you break free from holding yourself back. Maybe that means you do end up looking for a new job, or maybe it’s something you can point to at a future one-on-one to demonstrate your interests. Either way, it proves you want to be- and are capable of- doing more, which can be the first step to getting more responsibility. Getting unstuck won't happen overnight, but you will be amazed by the opportunities you can create by deliberately putting yourself and your ideas out to the right people. With a few simple steps you can open new avenues of possibility, and pull yourself out of that rut. Photo of co-workers talking courtesy of Image Works/Getty Images.

IPTI and ASME Training Development to Host Pipeline Training Week Event in Denver

IPTI and ASME Training Development to Host Pipeline Training Week Event in Denver IPTI and ASME Training Development to Host Pipeline Training Week Event in Denver IPTI and ASME Training & Development to Host Pipeline Training Week Event in Denver Enhance your technical skills and learn from recognized experts in onshore pipeline engineering at a weeklong training program focused on updates to ASME codes, safety issues and industry technical challenges. Pipeline Training Week, hosted by ASMEs International Petroleum Technology Institute (IPTI) and Training Development department, will be held April 14-18 in Denver, Colo. The five-day event will feature 10 training courses that are tailored specifically for engineers and project managers involved in the design, operation, maintenance, and integrity assurance of piping systems.   The courses, which will be presented by ASME committee members who are responsible for writing ASME codes and standards, will include B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids, B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems, Bolted Joint Assembly Principles Per PCC-1-2013, and Composite Repair Solutions for Pipeline Anomalies. Other courses to be offered during the Pipeline Training Week event include classes covering defect assessment, inline inspection, integrity management, onshore design and construction, practical welding technology, and pipeline pressure testing. Instructors for the courses include Larry Decker of RCP Inc., Tom Bubenik of Det Norske Veritas Inc., David Lay of Hytorc, E. Shashi Menon from SYSTEK Technologies, Chris Alexander of Stress Engineering Services, Michael Rosenfeld from Kiefner/Applus-RTD, Albert Moore Jr. of Marion Testing and Inspection, and Carolyn Kolovich and Martin Phillips from Kiefner and Associates. For more information on Pipeline Training Week, download the event brochure or visit http://go.asme.org/pipelinetraining.

7 huge time-wasters at work and what you can do about them

7 huge time-wasters at work and what you can do about them 7 huge time-wasters at work and what you can do about them When I started my job as a content writer, there were so many new things to take in. Coming from the hectic world of broadcast journalism, I landed in a world powered by strict rules, established processes, and order. It required some adjusting on my part - I went from running around with a camera crew to sitting in front of my laptop, sipping tea, and writing one sentence after another.  It also changed my perception of workplace interruptions. In the field, you expect distractions. In the office, the environment is tailored to make people as efficient and productive as possible: quiet and spacious rooms, an optimal temperature, and minimal external influences.  But it turns out that when you get the big distractions out of the way, the small things can turn into the biggest time wasters.  Here are a seven common office time-wasters and how you can avoid them to be more productive.1. Unclearly defined tasksWhen I first started my current job, I was given the assignment to write a b log post about teamwork. I was confident in my research abilities, so I refused to ask for help or guidance on form, style, length, and focus.As it turns out, doing a post on “teamwork” is like doing a post on the “cosmos” - the topic is so vast that I didn’t know how to approach it. It took me three full days before I finally gave in and requested clarification. If you ever find yourself in the similar predicament, the worst thing you can do is say nothing. Talk to your manager and go over your tasks until you have a firm grasp on what is expected of you. 2. Futile researchEach position has its white whale: something that is rather expected to be done but is never quite achievable. For a salesperson, that is the sale of the century; for a developer, it’s a string of code that works on the first try; and for a content writer, it’s the creation of original, relevant post without wasting countless hours on research. During the first few weeks on the job, I realized that a lot of Internet content is recycled. Finding an original, relevant post about a certain topic can feel like nothing short of a miracle. There are two ways to handle this: you can either continue to work as usual, or you can find an unusual solution. I turned to sources so that I could write posts that were 100% original.3. Unorganized notes  There is nothing wrong with taking notes on pieces of paper (as long you don’t lose them), but relying solely on a notepad or countless sticky notes may not be the best approach.Until recently, I carried a notebook and a pen with me at all times. Now, I rely on Evernote  to make digital notes. Hundreds of pages take up a lot less space if they are comfortably snuggled in your phone.This approach will help you keep your knowledge and thoughts at the tip of your fingers, organized and accessible at all times.  4. Overflowing inboxI hadn’t heard of the term “Inbox zero” before I started working as a content writer. At that point, I foun d it odd that somebody would have trouble managing their inbox.  Was I naive! Now, I am swarmed with emails from relevant and irrelevant sources, and managing my inbox takes a bite out of my precious time.To be more productive with emailing, I schedule a meeting with myself. Each morning, I spend about 30 minutes focused solely on sorting, answering, and archiving received emails - no distractions allowed. There are multiple tools that can help you organize your inbox, but I rely on Gmail and its multiple inbox  feature. 5. Lengthy pointless meetings Many of us require continuous periods of concentrated work to get anything done. Poorly-scheduled and unnecessary meetings  can turn a four-hour assignment into a six-hour one. If you want to maintain your productivity throughout the day, insist on short,  well-planned, morning stand-up meetings. They are the least likely to waste your time and interfere with your work.If, however, you need inspiration for your latest assignment, do no t rush yourself. Take the time to sit down with your coworkers during a coffee break and discuss potential approaches. The occasional brainstorm is a perfect way to get those creative juices flowing.6. Toxic workplaceToo much noise or an awkward silence can both be equally bad in the office. Negative energy can refocus your attention on the task at hand to trivial matters that happen around you. The situation can be especially difficult if one member of your team is a dreaded toxic co-worker. If possible, ask to work remotely. If that is not an option and you are required to stay at the office, try to isolate yourself from the source of stress as much as possible. Either move to another room, or simply choose a comfy set of headphones, play some music, or block everything out with white noise. Personally, I found the sound of rain perfect for achieving full focus. 7. Unnecessary procedures This is the ultimate time waster. Sometimes, unnecessary procedures can be minor, and sometime s they can be outright annoying. They are often caused by an incompetent manager or an attachment to the relic of when things were done differently.If you notice procedures like this, alert the management and point out that a certain process is consuming time and effort for no justified reason. They will either recognize that there’s a problem and make adjustments, or they will dismiss your complaint and deem procedure necessary on account that “it has always been done that way.” If latter is the case, you may want to consider changing companies.Final wordsEven though each of these time wasters may not seem that serious, they  still can be a serious drain on productivity, preventing you from focusing on real work, causing you stay over time, or making you take the stress of the unfinished business home to your family. You should look to eliminate them right away.

How to ask for a raise at work, plus a breakdown of the 5 Ws

How to ask for a raise at work, plus a breakdown of the 5 Ws How to ask for a raise at work, plus a breakdown of the 5 Ws Money. We all want more of it. While some of us opt for a side hustle, some of us look towards our actual place of employment for the bump to our bank account. But talking about money is hard for a lot of people, and talking about money at work can be even more difficult. Ladders spoke with Richard Deosingh, the district president for Robert Half, to answer all your questions surrounding how to ask for a raise at work.Who should you ask for a raise at work?Your direct supervisor is the best person to ask for a raise at work. “It should be a conversation with the individuals who the employee directly reports to and no one else,” Deosingh said.What do you do if you ask your manager for a raise and he/she says no?A tight office budget could be the reason your boss declined your request for a pay raise. Companies with limited funds usually give out raises on strict timelines. If this is the case, you can always barter for benefits like extra vacation days, the option to work remotely on occasion, or paid professional training.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!“If you think you deserve a raise but your boss declines, make sure you understand why they said no and ask when you can revisit the topic down the road,” said Deosingh.If your boss cites a lack of skill or experience as the reason for declining your request, make sure to ask how you can improve your work and hustle your way to a promotion or raise.When should you ask for a raise at work?Annual performance reviews can be the most appropriate times to ask for a raise at work. If your company doesn’t have a system of annual performance reviews, speak with your manager about setting one up. Not only is it a great chance to learn how to improve in your role, but it can be the perfect time to ask for a raise at work. Deosingh said that it is completely acceptable for an employee to ask for a raise at their first annual performance review, but that doesn’t guarantee it’ll be approved.“During a performance review, asking for a raise can be a natural tie-in, but that’s certainly not the only time to broach the subject,” Deosingh said.In fact, a great time to ask for a raise is after important triumphs at work. For example, the days or weeks after completing a big project or landing an impressive client are good times to ask for a raise.“Major accomplishments that have benefited the company and show your worth can make it clear to your employer that you’re worth the additional pay,” Deosingh said.While the time after the completion of a successful project is a great time to request a raise, Deosingh reminds employees not to go looking for a raise after every  successful project.Additionally, keep in mind is to schedule a meeting with your boss during a slower time, not  one of a million meetings and high stress.Another time component to be mindful of is whether t he company is in a position to offer you a pay raise at the moment. If the company has recently undergone budget cuts or layoffs, it’s probably not the best time to ask for a raise.Where should you go to do research in preparation to ask for a raise at work?Preparation for a meeting about a raise cannot be emphasized enough. Besides timing, preparation is the determining factor in whether or not your manager approves your raise or not.Before your meeting, you should prepare information about yourself as well as data about your role and industry.Deosingh suggests making a list of your key accomplishments that support your request for a pay bump. You should be prepared to discuss how those achievements benefited the company. Numbers (with dollar signs attached) usually speak louder than anything else.Deosingh also suggests not using solely the past tense for your argument, but also think long-term and look into the future. Sharing strategic ideas for the company will not only impres s your boss but also convince them that you’re there for the long run.You want to make sure you go into the meeting knowing the salary that someone in your position is typically making in the current market. There are a variety of tools available online that you can use to do this. Deosingh suggests checking Robert Half’s 2019 Salary Guides to make sure what you’re asking for is in alignment with your market.Also consider the fact that some companies may only be able to give fixed-rate raises, such as a 2% increase. Most companies will outline the raise-and-bonus policy in the employee handbook, so make sure to read that over before scheduling a meeting to discuss a raise with your boss. The normal amount for an increase is anywhere from 2% to 5%, according to Deosingh.Why should you never ask for a raise with an ultimatum?“It should never, ever be an ultimatum,” Deosingh said. “Don’t say, ‘Give me money or else I’m leaving.’ That’s not productive.”An ultimat um makes this meeting more of a negotiation than a conversation.“If you approach it professionally…if you have a conversation it’s not going to, and shouldn’t, change the relationship that you have with your direct report or employer,” Deosingh said.How should you ask for a raise at work?The first step to asking for a raise is to make sure you’re in a professional place to make a good case for a raise. Are you meeting or exceeding all your employer’s expectations? Are you getting paid less than is the industry normal? Do you deserve to get paid more than the industry normal?Once you have organized research and a solid case, request a meeting with your boss. If your annual performance review is coming up, make sure your argument is fully formed by then. During the meeting, don’t approach your boss with an ultimatum or attack, but with a civilized and informed discussion. Present your case, reference your research, and open the discussion. The rest is up to your manage r.You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people