Rudy

"Promotion/Pay Raise? Sometimes You Need to Make the Ask"

Google Movie Synopsis:

Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame, but has neither the money for tuition nor the grades to qualify for a scholarship. Rudy redoubles his efforts to get out of the steel mill where his father works when his best friend (Christopher Reed) dies in an accident there. Overcoming his dyslexia thanks to his friend and tutor, D-Bob (Jon Favreau), Rudy gains admission to Notre Dame and begins to fight his way onto the school's fabled football team.

Scenario:

After years on the prep squad and receiving positive support from teammates and other coaches, Rudy walks into the head coaches office and asks that he be allowed to “dress” for one game during the next season.

Selected Scene:

Rudy:      This won't take long Coach. First, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity of being on the team.
Coach:     I never thought I'd be saying this, but it's been a pleasure. Now, what can I do for you?
Rudy:      Well, one of the many things I learned this year is that no matter how hard I try, I'll never get above the prep team. I've accepted that God made some people football players, but not me.
Coach:     I wish God would put your heart in some of my players' bodies.
Rudy:      My father loves Notre Dame football more than anything else in the world. He doesn't believe I'm on the team because he can't see me during the games. Next year, my senior year, I'd love to be able to give him this gift, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me dress one game next season.
Coach:    Look Rudy, the NCAA really hamstrings us with this 60 rule. In some positions we only have one backup. You know every year we're competing for the national championship. Is this just for your father?
Rudy:     No, its for everybody who told me it would be impossible. It's for my brothers, the kids in my high school, the guys I work with at the mill. they can't come to practice and see that I am part of the team.
Coach:    Okay
Rudy:      Okay?
Coach:     You deserve it. You'll dress for one game next season.

Business Tip:

If you haven’t already encountered this situation early in your career, odds are you soon will—wondering when you will receive a promotion and/or pay raise? Now, if you ask everyone in a typical company whether or not they deserve one of the two, I’m sure more than 90% will say absolutely! The point here, in the movie, Rudy was one of the hardest and most dedicated members on the squad, however, hard work alone did not get him what he wanted, he had to make it happen by himself. Rudy had the encouragement and support from others which gave him the confidence to approach the head coach and make the ask. Once the coach heard the rationale, he was able to give Rudy an immediate decision.  When analyzing your own situation, Ask yourself, does my boss know I am ready for a promotion or want a pay raise? Do I have the unsolicited support of other managers? Or a couple colleagues? Based on these answers, you will know if you are ready to make the ask.  If you don’t receive the answer you want, ask your boss what you need (and document it it send it to him/her as a recap). Worst case scenario, you will be on management’s radar as someone who is aspiring to advance and grow within the company. And if you ask me, is a good thing!