My problem with the article is that if you try to follow all of that advice, you are left with no real leverage to work with, and the sad reality of the vast ma

My problem with the article is that if you try to follow all of that advice, you are left with no real leverage to work with, and the sad reality of the vast majority of jobs is that you will not get a raise unless you have leverage. If I had to compile my own advice, which is inevitably incomplete but I think gives more actionable advice than the article, I'd say: 1. Don't openly criticize your colleagues. Word tends to get around and it erodes their trust in you. 2. Don't threaten. That makes your manager defensive, which is counterproductive. You can imply your dissatisfaction and your manager will infer the risk of losing you, but threatening to leave tends to get a defensive reaction. 3. If you are trying to be less underpaid, then approach it from a perspective of fair compensation for the work that you do. Do not hide that you think it's unfair, but also make sure that you're well-justified in thinking it's unfair. 4. If you are trying to get paid more despite being fairly compensated, then have a discussion about where you have to up your game to earn more.