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You don’t burn bridges by asking. You burn out by never asking.

Today’s Ladder:

Get the Raise. Not Resentment.

For years, I stayed silent.
Worked hard.
Hoped someone would notice.

But no one did.

I told myself, “If I just prove myself, the raise will come.”
“If I stay loyal, the promotion will follow.”

Here’s what actually happened:

I watched others… less experienced, less committed… move ahead.
Not because they worked harder.
But because they asked.

And I didn’t.
Not until I learned how to ask the right way.

The moment I finally spoke up…
I didn’t get pushback.
I got a yes.

But not because I demanded.
Because I came prepared. With value, not just a request.

The Ask They’ll Say Yes To

Here’s the framework I use now whenever I ask for more:

1. Start with results.
   I highlight the wins I’ve delivered.

   • Numbers.

   • Outcomes.

   • Impact.
     

2. Connect to the bigger picture.
   I show how my work supports the team or company vision.
   

3. Make the ask clear and confident.
   - Do not say: “if it’s okay…”
   - I say: “Based on my contributions and the value I’ve delivered, I’d like to talk about a raise/promotion.”

You don’t have to choose between boldness and grace. You can ask without demanding. You can be firm without being harsh. You can honor yourself and still respect the relationship.

Asking for more isn’t about making someone else lose… it’s about making space for you to win too.

Courage doesn’t cancel connection.

It deepens it.

Takeaway:

The Art of Asking Smart

You rehearse the words in your head, over and over.
You’ve earned it. And you know it.

But when it’s time to ask for that raise or promotion… you freeze.

• What if they say no?

• What if they think you’re ungrateful?

• What if asking ruins everything?

I used to feel the same way.

So I stayed quiet. I hoped my hard work would speak for me.
But all it got me was more work. Without the recognition.

Here’s the reframe that changed it for me:

• Asking isn’t about arrogance. It’s about clarity.

• It’s not a demand. It's a declaration of value.

When you ask with data, impact, and confidence… you stop hoping to be seen.

You show them why they can’t afford to overlook you.

And guess what?

The moment you advocate for yourself, your boss starts to respect your value.

You don’t just ask smart. You lead smart.

So speak up.
Not just for more money.

But for the message you send when you do:

I know what I’m worth. And I’m not afraid to claim it.

ICYMI: Links to popular issues

💥 The Best Framework I’ve Seen for Leading Without a Title

💌 How to Make Your Job Feel More Meaningful (Even If It’s Not Your Dream Job)

💱 Think You Know Your Leadership Style? Your Personality Might Say Otherwise

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Founder, Career Ladder | Career MBA