Many employees find it difficult to ask for a raise during normal economic times. Facing today's economy and the bleak outlook for some businesses, employees now find themselves more and more paralyzed by the thought of asking for a salary increase. Employees fear that they'll be refused, ridiculed or worse. They fear that they'll be the next name added to the "reduction in force" list just by asking. No employee wants to look like the creep that doesn't understand the financial woes facing their employer. Everyone wants to be a team player, right? Here are a few simple tips that will help you get a raise in today's world and still be the team player that your company wants you to be.

First, take stock on your own performance over the past twelve months. Have you shown up ready to contribute each day? Have you stayed positive about your company's leadership and the company's future? Do your co-workers view you as an important part of the group? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you have a good chance at being well received by your boss.