4 Communication Tips From Elon Musk That Could Help You Ask for a Raise
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Preparing to ask for a raise can feel intimidating — but advice from Elon Musk could help. The richest man in the world knows a thing or two about effectively interacting with peers and earning money.
You probably can’t directly ask him for tips to get a raise, but GOBankingRates studied his communication style for you. Here’s a look at four ways to send the right message to your boss, using the Tesla founder’s standard communication methods. Plus, learn why you should look to Musk for money advice.
Get to the Point
Musk is a busy man who doesn’t have time for long-winded conversations. He also makes sure his point doesn’t get lost in a flurry of unnecessary words.
This was evident throughout his 2016 “Master Plan, Part Deux” blog post. While sharing his plans for Tesla and SolarCity, he succinctly laid out his thoughts, then briefly summarized them at the end. For example, one of his summary points was “Expand the electric vehicle product line to address all major segments.”
Taking this approach when asking for a raise could work, because it leaves no room for misinterpretation. Simply create a few strong talking points explaining why you believe you’ve earned a raise and plainly ask for it.
Time Your Request Right
Asking your boss for a raise at the wrong time could hinder your chances of success. Musk has shared his thoughts on different forms of communication, noting his preference for email.
He’s quoted, “I do love email. Wherever possible, I try to communicate asynchronously. I’m really good at email.”
You probably shouldn’t ask your boss for a raise through email, but you might consider emailing to ask for a meeting to discuss this issue. This will allow them to choose a time that’s convenient, ensuring they’re not caught off guard or too busy to give your request the thoughtful conversation it deserves.
Display a Positive Attitude
Asking for a raise can be nerve-wracking. Depending on your unique situation, you may even feel like you’ve earned a raise, but might not get it.
This can be discouraging, but you have to get out of your head. You need to go into this talk with a positive attitude, because if you don’t believe in yourself, your boss probably won’t, either.
Musk is also quoted as saying, “I’d rather be optimistic and wrong than pessimistic and right.”
Take this position when walking into the conversation with your manager, as it could increase your chances of success.
Use Present-Tense Wording
Often times, it’s not what you say, but how you say it that counts. Musk is known for speaking in the present tense, which is impactful.
When pitching your case for a raise, you’ll probably want to mention past accomplishments to your boss. However, it might also be helpful to speak about what you’re working on right now.
This may signal to your manager that you’re currently doing great things for the company, which entitles you to a raise. After all, no one wants to risk losing an invaluable employee.
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