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One Sentence That Changes Everything
It’s the sentence most people avoid... and regret later...
Justin Mecham
June 02, 2025
Hey Full Potential Zoners!
If you don’t ask— you’ve already got your answer.
Asking for more doesn’t make you greedy.
It makes you clear.
Strong negotiators don’t just know numbers— they know values.
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Use my sheet to ask for what you’re worth.
Negotiation isn’t a risk— it’s a responsibility.
And the way you advocate for yourself, sets the tone for how others will value you.
Today we are going to help leaders master this by using:
‘Salary Negotiations - How to Ask for What You’re Worth'.
Let’s dive in!
Download This PDF + my Top 60+ Cheat Sheets At Bottom of Email
How to Actually Use These Negotiation Skills at Work
1. Clarity + Composure (combo)
Scenario: You feel underpaid but aren’t sure how to bring it up.
Start soft, then go clear. Lead with warmth, then state your facts.
Say this:
“I’ve really enjoyed the work here, and I want to be honest — I’ve been reviewing market data and I’d love to talk about my compensation.”
Have your research ready.
One sentence: “According to [source], roles like this average around $X–$Y.”
Don’t attach emotion to your ask. It’s a business conversation — not a personal favor.
Be ready with options. If pay can’t move, ask about bonuses, equity, training, or role expansion.
Why this works:
You lead the conversation with calm logic — not emotion, pressure, or complaints.
2. Confidence
Scenario: HR gives you a lower-than-expected starting offer.
Don’t fill the silence. After your counter, pause. Let them process.
Say this:
“I was aiming for something closer to $92k based on the scope. [pause].”
Stand tall. Even on a phone call, your posture affects your tone.
Use a neutral voice. Not excited. Not flat. Just clear.
Don’t over-apologize.
“I hope that’s okay” weakens the ask. You’re not doing anything wrong.
Why this works:
You come across like someone who negotiates normally — which is exactly what professionals do.
3. Evidence
Scenario: Your yearly review is coming up and you want a raise.
Build a “brag file.”
Save wins in real-time throughout the year — don’t wait until the review.
Say this:
“Here’s what I’ve delivered this year — I wanted to show you the results in black and white.”
Organize wins by impact.
Don’t just list tasks — show how you made things better.
Use visuals if possible.
A chart or number trend tells a faster story than a paragraph.
Print it or email it in advance. Don’t expect them to remember your work from 6 months ago.
Why this works:
You’re showing receipts. It turns a subjective ask into a clear performance story.
4. Perspective
Scenario: You're offered a promotion, but the pay isn’t great.
Zoom out. Ask:
“What does this mean for my skills, reputation, or resume a year from now?”
Say this:
“I’m excited about the opportunity — can we talk about how this sets me up for long-term growth?”
Ask about visibility.
“Will I be presenting to leadership more often?”
Don’t be afraid to bring up trade-offs.
“If the pay is firm, could we look at education credits or flex days?”
Why this works:
You shift from being “just an employee” to someone thinking like a strategic partner.
Here's how you can make it real over the next 4 days:
DAY 1 — Write it down
Pick 1 trait you want to work on.
Write down exactly what you want to get better at — in one sentence.
If it's composure, maybe: “I want to stay calm when things feel tense at work.”
If it's evidence, maybe: “I want to get better at tracking my wins so I’m ready to ask for a raise.”
Clarity is power. If you can’t write it, you can’t improve it.
AI Prompt: “You are a workplace negotiation coach. I’m working on becoming a stronger negotiator. Here are the 5 skills I can choose from: Composure, Perspective, Clarity, Confidence, and Evidence. Help me choose the one that fits my current challenges the most. Then help me write one simple sentence about what I want to improve and why it matters to me.”
DAY 2 — Spot it in the wild
Look for one moment at work where that trait could help you — even if you don’t act on it yet.
Someone else got flustered? How would composure look there?
Your coworker downplayed their impact? How would confidence show up?
Write it down:
Just a quick note. “In the team meeting, I could’ve asked about the full package.”
Noticing is the first step to using. Most people never notice.
AI Prompt: “You are a behavior expert who helps people build self-awareness. The skill I chose to work on is [insert skill]. Give me 3 everyday work moments where this skill would be useful. Then help me write a quick journal note to describe a real moment where I could have used that skill this week.”
DAY 3 — Say it out loud
Practice one sentence out loud that reflects the trait you’re working on.
Example for clarity: “I’d like to move from $70k to $80k based on these results.”
Example for confidence: “I was thinking something closer to $100k.”
Say it to your mirror. Your notes app. Your steering wheel. Just say it.
Speaking the words makes them real. It builds memory and comfort.
AI Prompt: “You are a workplace communication coach. I want to practice speaking with more [insert skill, like Confidence or Clarity]. Give me 2–3 short, natural phrases I can say out loud to build that skill. Keep it casual and useful for real work situations — no formal scripts.”
DAY 4 — Use it in a tiny way
Use your trait in a small, real way — today.
If it’s confidence: speak one idea in a meeting without hedging.
If it’s perspective: ask your boss how a task connects to a bigger goal.
If it’s composure: pause before replying to a tough message.
Keep it small. One move is enough.
Momentum builds through use. Even small reps count.
AI Prompt: “You are a workplace habit expert. I want to use my negotiation skill [insert skill] in a small, real way at work today. Give me 3 low-pressure actions I could take — like something I say, how I reply, or how I show up. Keep it simple and doable right now.”
Most people never ask — not because they don’t deserve more, but because they think they can’t.
Asking isn’t rude. It’s not risky. It’s normal.
The worst answer is no. The best answer is a life that feels more fair.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be ready to speak clearly.
Your value doesn’t rise when others say yes — it rises when you stop waiting for permission.
Until next time and with lots of love,
Justin
60 Second Video of Today’s Topic
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
“Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In” by Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton (see it here)
TED Talk to Watch
“Know Your Worth, and Then Ask for It" by Casey Brown (see it here)
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