Alastair WallaceCEO. Lead Consultant. Trainer. Coach, Brainfood Ltd · Leadership & Management Training for Busy Managers. Helping senior leaders stop handholding | Brain-friendly, diary-friendly | Save 5+ hours a week | 23,500 managers trained | 200% ROI guaranteed. TED

I deserve a pay rise!

12 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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0:58

In this brief advisory video, Alastair Wallace advises managers on how to handle employee requests for a pay rise. He warns that the common reply “there’s no budget” shuts down the conversation and suggests a more constructive approach: separate the discussion into three components—performance, market value, and the pay‑review process. He recommends booking a dedicated meeting to examine the role’s requirements, the employee’s current performance, and what the pay‑review process permits, providing structure and avoiding vague promises. Wallace also offers a free “Say This First” guide for managers facing awkward money‑talk conversations.

Chapters

If someone says, I deserve a pay rise, the worst first answer is, there's no budget. Now, the budget issue may be true, but it shuts the conversation down straight away. A much better approach is to separate performance, market value of the person, and the process. That's going to keep it much more adult, much more objective. Try saying this instead. Let's book some time to look at what your role requires, how your performance compares right now, and what the pay review process allows. That works because it gives the conversation some structure. You're not giving vague promises, brush-offs, or crossed fingers, and it's not about fake hope to make the meeting feel nicer. If you want the words for more awkward manager conversations just like this about money, grab my free Say This First guide. I'll put it with this post.