Raises for Some, Rage for Others

Ever told your team it’s been a great year — only to leave some employees wondering why they’re not getting a raise? We break down how that misstep can crush morale and what leaders can do to fix it.

We break down a real-world scenario where leaders gave hourly employees a raise but blindsided their salaried team with nothing but an email. The result? Chaos, frustration, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

If you’ve ever struggled to navigate compensation talks, this episode is packed with practical advice. We cover the importance of clear communication, why transparency matters (especially when things get uncomfortable), and how to rebuild trust if you’ve already dropped the ball.

Whether you’re managing a team or running the whole show, these insights will help you handle tough pay conversations without losing your employees’ trust — or your sanity.

Highlights:

• Why skipping communication can turn a good year into a disaster
• The importance of preparing managers before sharing big decisions
• How to avoid damaging trust when raises aren’t an option
• Why clear role expectations can prevent pay confusion in the first place
• Tips for having tough conversations without hiding behind emails

If this episode hit home, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. And if you know another leader dealing with tough conversations, pass this one along!

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