Episode: Dismayed Draco: Curiosity Gone Wrong - How to Ask for a Raise

Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/dismayed-draco-curiosity-gone-wrong-how-to-ask-for-a-raise

What this episode’s about:

In this episode, we hear from someone we've named, "Dismayed Draco," who accidentally found out he is the lowest-paid employee in his company. Helping Draco navigate his feelings of frustration and underappreciation, we provide a structured framework which we call "RAISES" to help Draco navigate the often nerve wracking process of asking for a raise. We look at this from the viewpoints of conflict resolution, HR, and psychology.

Why listen:

Learn how to ask for a raise!

Key takeaways

1. We recommend you don't "rage quit" your job without a financial plan
2. Asking for a raise is a key professional skill
3. We give you the RAISES framework to develop a strategic plan for how to move forward
4. Pay transparency laws are complex and there are HR considerations around this topic
5. Mindset matters - harness the power of cognitive behavioral therapy

Resources & further reading

• Pay transparency and productivity by Cédric Gutierrez, Tomasz Obloj, Todd Zenger :: SSRN
• Research: The Complicated Effects of Pay Transparency
• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
• Pay Transparency Laws by State Interactive Map - GovDocs
• The story of SumAll
• Cost of Living Calculator | City and Salary Comparison Tool - NerdWallet
• Blind salary research tool - Second salary reference tool mentioned
• Glassdoor
• Interview Boss Podcast
• Jia Jiang: What I learned from 100 days of rejection

Reach out for guidance: TheHRManagers@Gmail.com

Website: TheHRMediators.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrmediators/

About the show

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with Karen & Kendra’s mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

Credits & notes

Hosts: Karen Gleason & Kendra Beseler

© 2025 The HR Mediators

Privacy note: These are inspired by real experiences; names/identifying details are modified.

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with our mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and a little humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

We, Karen and Kendra, are certified HR professionals and mediators with extensive experience across diverse sectors, including Fortune 100 companies and startups.

Each episode features a unique and provocative scenario, allowing us to dissect the intricacies of organizational dynamics and corporate chaos.

We invite you to subscribe and join us every other Tuesday as we explore these critical issues and help you navigate conflict with compassion, grace, and ease!

Links referenced in this episode:

• thehrmediators.com
• thehrmediators@gmail.com

Episode: Pressured Priya: Stuck in the Middle - Navigating Competing Executives

Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/pressured-priya-stuck-in-the-middle-navigating-competing-executives

What this episode’s about:

In this episode we hear from "Pressured Priya" who was hired to stand up an onboarding program at the large Tech company where she works. Unfortunately, no one warned her that this would drop her right in the middle of a longstanding conflict between two executives. We help her analyze the situation from the perspectives of conflict resolution, HR, and psychology to help her make a plan for how to move forward.

Why listen:

Learn how to collaborate successfully despite entrenched conflicts.

Key takeaways

1. Learn about the five standard ways people approach conflict
2. Improve your ability to adjust your communication style and approach to your audience
3. Develop your skill in building psychological safety

Resources

• An Overview of the Thomas-Kilmann (TKI) Instrument - This is also the Link to Purchase the TKI Test
• Purchase the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) Book
• What is Psychological Safety
• Four Steps to Build the Psychological Safety That High Performing Teams Need Today
• Google re:Work - Guides: Understand team effectiveness
• Books | Keith Ferrazzi
• How to Lead Without Authority
• Complete Employee Onboarding Guide
• Theory of Games and Economic Behavior | Princeton University Press
• Project Management Statistics
• To Retain New Hires, Spend More Time Onboarding Them - HBR quote about the value of an onboarding program

Reach out for guidance: TheHRManagers@Gmail.com

Website: TheHRMediators.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehrmediators/

About the show

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with Karen & Kendra’s mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

Credits & notes

Hosts: Karen Gleason & Kendra Beseler

© 2025 The HR Mediators

Privacy note: These are inspired by real experiences, but we change all identifying details, adjust timelines, and blend similar accounts.