pull the fast one....

Psst...

If you have an employee who is severely under-paid, there is a feasible solution that will cost you nothing.

It's called the 'title promotion'.

It's a simple yet effective trick to alleviate the guilt associated with not paying someone what they're worth. This can also work if said employee ambushes you in your office and tries to initiate raise negotiations.

Step 1) Have a chummy heart-to-heart discussion with your under-paid employee about personal goals and randomness.

Step 2) Gradually sneak in the 'spontaneous idea' of them being a 'team leader' or 'project manager'. Create a title before hand that sounds nifty and important.

Step 3) Do not tell anyone else about this declaration or conversation. Ever.

The results are simple: the employee leaves the conversation with a false sense of security and renewed enthusiasm for their 'new role'.

Why you've just pulled the fast one: Even though there is the intentional hint of promotion, no one else will act differently, or with more respect towards that employee, (including yourself) due to the fact that their paycheck has not changed. You've effectively created a more productive employee, while avoiding paying for their loyalty and talent.

Analogy - 'verbal tip' at a restaurant: You can avoid tipping , while at the same time relieving yourself of guilt (if you have any), by telling your server that they are amazing and wonderful right before you leave your table. They will be so flattered, they will forget to even look for extra change!