1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Nichole walks through when going over your manager’s head may be reasonable, when it isn’t, and how to handle it professionally if you decide to. In this episode: An honest note that this is a judgment call: it can work well, and it can carry risk to your relationship with your manager depending on your company’s culture When it’s generally not okay: as your first step, out of frustration or in the heat of the moment, or before giving your manager a fair chance When it may be reasonable: you’ve made several documented good faith attempts over weeks, your manager can’t or won’t move forward and can’t give a path or timeline, the decision window is closing, your company’s process routes requests through a skip-level manager, or there’s a fairness concern your manager can’t resolve Tell your manager first, since transparency protects your relationship Consider HR or a process contact as a gentler first step Keep the tone professional and curious, asking for guidance rather than filing a complaint Don’t criticize your manager, and keep the conversation about your work and goals Bring your preparation: your one-pager, research, and one-sentence story Be ready for a response like “please work through your manager,” and stay gracious Think about the bigger picture: if the door stays closed, it tells you whether this place values your growth, and you’re allowed to look around Today’s task: Write down your own criteria for when you’d consider going above your manager and the steps you’d take first. Optionally draft a short message, but don’t send it. Download the 7 Days to Ask for a Raise Challenge to help you confidently ask for a raise&amp;nbsp;here. Connect with Nichole on Instagram&amp;nbsp;@nichole.harrop Future Female Leaders http://www.nicholeharrop.com <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/43743824/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/43743824