Toxic Workplace -Seeking Advice on Promotion and Pay Discrepancy

Question

Hey all,

I am seeking your insights on a challenge I’m facing in my current role. As an ex-MBB consultant in our strategy department, I am approaching a promotion after two years of service, aligned with our consulting-style hierarchy.

However, I've learned that my post-promotion salary will be approximately 30% lower than peers at the same level, despite the company's overall good performance and promises of pay increases at each promotion stage. This is puzzling, especially given my consistent 'outstanding' performance reviews. I suspect the discrepancy may be related to my strained relationship with our department head, amidst an environment that has not always upheld the highest standards of professionalism.

I discovered this issue while working on next year’s budget and am scheduled to discuss it with the department head tomorrow. I am exploring new job opportunities but would value your perspectives on:

How to approach the conversation with the department head effectively?
Have you seen/ heard of instances of my predicament above?

Looking foward to your advice.

Answer 1

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience in your team!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

First of all, it's crucial to approach the conversation with your department head with a constructive mindset. Focus on your achievements and the value you've added to the company, rather than the discrepancies or conflicts. Present facts and figures to make a compelling case for why your promotion and pay rise should match your contributions and market standards.
Moreover, considering the toxic environment and the ongoing issues, I would highly advise you to continue exploring new job opportunities, both inside and outside of your current employer. Sometimes, a change is necessary to find a workplace that values your contributions appropriately and where you can grow without being held back by internal politics.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

You can find the consulting salaries report 2024 here!

Answer 2

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. To your questions:

Q1: How to approach the conversation with the department head effectively?

Keep the conversation fact based and try to avoid any kind of emotional response
Ask a lot of questions to understand the head's position
Ask what you think is fair and provide a compelling rationale for that
Think in advance your BATNA (best alternative to a negotiated agreement) and what you would do if the head keep the position and the salary below your expectations

Q2: Have you seen/ heard of instances of my predicament above?

Unfortunately, this kind of less professional or standard behaviors are more than common outside of MBB.

Good luck with your conversation!

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Answer 3

Hi there,

You have some options:

Most important: Hire a coach. A 30% salary is on the line. That's like managing your investments by “winging it”. Surely it's worth it to pay for expert advice to ensure the optimal outcome…
Get everything in writing - all praises, all the work you've done all the disagreements/issues. Always get everything in writing
Build your case
Get allies/backing from others
Repair the strained relationship
Threaten to leave or negotiate hard
Get a competing job offer

Ultimately, you probably should not have waited until the day before that meeting to ask an online forum. There are a lot of actions you need to have taken ahead of time to build your case up.

Answer 4

“strained relationship with our department head”

This is the single most relevant driver regarding your career success. This impacts the projects you do, how fast you get promoted, your bonus, your job satisfaction.

This is more relevant than the 30% we are discussing here (and a major driver for that being what it is). You have to fix this or leave the company.

That being said, how to approach the 30%? Well, don't take it as set in stone or as a decision already being made.

First assume it may be a mistake - ask if the information you have is correct.
If it is, ask the rationale.
Explore if it is set in stone or is something you (or someone else) can influence.
Explore any possible mitigation factors. E.g. maybe the 30% is set in stone but you can have more variable, or it is a 1-year thing, or something else (maybe get the promotion sooner?).
Be ready to counter argue (in a fact based, non emotional way) - particularly on what is directly related to you.

Answer 5

Hi there,

very sorry to hear about the situation. I agree with the commentary provided. Approach the discussion fact-based.

Validate that what you have heard/seen is indeed correct (meaning others getting paid 30% more for the exact same role/responsibility)
Ask about the rationale as to why this would not apply to all employees at that same role
Base the further discussion on the feedback you receive and make the case for why you should be given equal pay (reference to performance reviews)

More importantly though, you describe your workplace as toxic. Do you really want to stay there? Even with a promotion, this sounds terrible. Unless it is something you think could be fixed in a timely manner, I don't see the point of lingering in such an environment for longer than absolutely necessary.

Best of luck

Answer 6

I'm sorry to hear this.

I agree with Alberto that you should keep the discussion fact based.

Share that you know people at a similar level have a higher compensation.

Then, ask them what they could do to at least match that compensation.

Asking them this way positions the problem in a forward-looking, collecting solution-seeking exercise.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 7

Hi there,

Change company or move internally to a different role.

No point in staying in a toxic work environment (regardless of 30% higher salary).

All the best,

Florian