One duty I find particularly challenging as a leader is delivering news on salary adjustments.

Sometimes I’ve fought to get someone the change they deserve, and I’ve succeeded—as much as the conditions unseen by them allow—only to have them say it isn’t as good as they’d hoped, in honest disappointment. Other times people don’t realise what they are getting is the best they could’ve hoped for, unable to accept they have things to improve, not seeing there are consequences to their standing in the unofficial ranking of staff. Often people believe companies have to account for inflation, raises in the cost of living, fairness in regards of what others are earning.

They do not. One’s value is not determined by the amount of money the company is paying them. If you are unhappy, you should make your case. If your manager is worth their salt, and you are good, and you show promise, they will try to help you. But there’s only so much they can do. You are the ultimate person to judge on your own value. The company doesn’t treat you as well as you feel it should? Find another one that will. Just make sure you understand the game first.