You at Work: Hiring and Keeping the Right People

What to Do When Your Employee Asks for a Raise Too Soon

How to say no and keep them motivated.by Rebecca Knight

A hungry, driven employee is every manager’s dream. But when you have a direct report whose ambition and desire are greater than their ability or experience, managing expectations isn’t easy. How should you handle someone who is constantly asking for a promotion, raise, or responsibility for which they aren’t yet ready? What’s the best way to help them set realistic goals? And how can you do it without discouraging them?

What the Experts Say

As a manager, your goal is to keep your team engaged, productive, motivated, and happy. That’s ...