Salary increases, performance reviews, submitting reports, requesting resources, and offering suggestions—these five topics are arguably the most challenging for professionals to navigate, as mishandling them can easily backfire. When addressing such matters, how you communicate is often more critical than what you say. So how should you approach these conversations? Experts offer practical guidance here.
1. "I want a raise"
Even when a raise is deserved and necessary, people often doubt themselves before asking: What if my boss thinks I don't deserve it? What if they haven't given raises in a while? Or what if they think I'm always complaining?