Have you ever negotiated so poorly that your new boss offered you 15% more than you asked for?

Have you ever negotiated so poorly that your new boss offered you 15% more than you asked for?

Early in my career, that was me. 🙋🏻‍♀️

I thought I was “asking for a lot” when my boss came back with a number 15% higher than what I asked for.

But here’s the thing (I learned later): even with that “extra,” he still paid me the bottom of the pay range for the role despite my years of experience.

Which meant I was celebrating a win… while still being underpaid. 🤦‍♀️

The real turning point came a year later.

I made a comment in a leadership meeting about salaries at our level.
One of my peers pulled me aside after and told me flat out:
“You’re being paid well less than me. You need to ask for more.”

That conversation changed everything.

Yes, I’ve since learned how to negotiate way better for myself.

But more importantly, I learned how to find the true leaders inside a company.

The ones who tell the truth.
The ones who have your back.
The ones who make sure you know what you’re worth.

My boss gave me “more than I asked for”. My peer gave me the truth. Only one of them had my back. 💡

Have you ever had someone at work quietly pull you aside and tell you the truth you really needed to hear?