The Power of Bold Requests and Promises: Asking for a Salary Increase

When it comes to asking for a salary increase, many people feel a bit uneasy. But what if I told you that asking for what you want with confidence and clarity is one of the most empowering things you can do for your career?

Steve Chandler, a well-known expert in personal and professional development, talks extensively about the power of making bold requests and bold promises. These two concepts can completely change the way you approach conversations about your worth and your future in the workplace.

What is a Bold Request?

A bold request is just that—bold. It’s not a vague suggestion or a timid ask. Instead, it’s a direct, specific, and confident expression of what you want.

Let’s apply this to asking for a salary increase. A bold request doesn’t sound like, “I think I deserve a raise,” or “Could you possibly consider increasing my salary?” That kind of language is tentative and unclear.

A bold request looks more like this:

"Based on my performance and the measurable value I’ve brought to the company, I am requesting a 10% increase to my salary."

See the difference? You’re not just hinting at what you want—you’re stating it clearly and with conviction. You’re showing that you understand the value you provide, and you’re confident in asking to be compensated accordingly.

Why Bold Requests Matter

When you make a bold request, you’re not only asking for something—you’re communicating your self-worth. You’re standing up for the contributions you’ve made to your company and demonstrating that you believe those contributions are valuable.

Steve Chandler often says that people don’t get what they deserve—they get what they ask for. This is such a powerful concept because it reminds us that we have the ability to shape our own success. By making a bold request, you create the opportunity for something better.

But a bold request alone isn’t enough. You need something equally important to back it up—this is where the bold promise comes in.

The Importance of a Bold Promise

A bold promise is a commitment you make about your future performance. It shows that you’re not only asking for more, but you’re also ready to take on more responsibility and continue delivering value.

For example, when asking for a salary increase, you might say:

"In return for this increase, I promise to take on additional leadership responsibilities, improve our team’s performance, and achieve key targets over the next six months."

This approach shifts the energy of the conversation. You’re no longer just asking for a raise—you’re positioning yourself as a partner in the company’s future success. You’re showing that you’re invested in the outcome and ready to commit to higher levels of performance.

Why Bold Promises Work

When you pair a bold request with a bold promise, you create a powerful, win-win scenario. You’re offering your employer a compelling reason to give you what you’re asking for, while also reassuring them that the investment they’re making in you will continue to pay off.

This combination of asking for what you deserve and committing to future growth is incredibly effective. It shows that you’re not just focused on your own gain—you’re also thinking about how you can contribute even more to the company.

The Mindset Shift

One of the biggest hurdles people face when asking for a salary increase is the fear of rejection or discomfort with the idea of "asking for more." But if you shift your mindset, you’ll see that asking for what you’re worth is a positive and necessary act. You’re not being demanding or greedy. You’re standing in your value.

Steve Chandler emphasizes that bold requests and promises are tools to create opportunities. They’re not about entitlement—they’re about clarity, confidence, and creating a future where both you and the company thrive.

In Conclusion

When you feel ready to ask for a salary increase, approach the conversation with a bold request and a bold promise. Be clear, confident, and specific about what you want, and couple it with a commitment to deliver even more value in the future.

By doing this, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting the raise you deserve, but you’ll also build stronger professional relationships and a more empowered sense of self.

Remember, bold requests lead to bold outcomes.

Dorothy Martin X