[Your Tech Department's average salary is already higher than other departments. If we raise it further, it might cause resentment and hurt company harmony.]
[Claude Finch, you're management now. You need to have perspective.]
[Wait until year-end. I'll make sure your department gets a bigger bonus. You won't be disappointed.]
Sure, our salaries were higher than the other non-revenue departments. But they were still way below industry average.
Raises were just another pie the boss dangled every year.
But because of that one promise—"bigger bonus at year-end"—everyone had swallowed their frustration and waited.
I fought to keep my anger in check.
"Back in June, we agreed to skip the mid-year raise because you promised we'd get a bigger bonus at year-end. You said you'd make it right for everyone!"
Bang!
The teacup slammed against the desk, tea splashing everywhere.
"Claude! Watch your tone!"
"The company has its own evaluation process. The market's rough right now—things have changed. Of course bonuses have to be adjusted accordingly!"
The market was rough, sure. But our company's numbers weren't. Other departments had gotten their payouts just fine.