5 Tips for Effectively Discussing Career Development with Your Boss
Asking your boss for career development opportunities can be nerve-wracking, but it’s essential to take the initiative if you want to advance in your career. Although some managers proactively discuss career development with their employees, others don’t, which means you need to be proactive.
Here are five tips for effectively discussing career development with your boss:
1. Research and plan
Before you approach your boss, research the career growth options available in your industry and the ones that interest you. This shows your boss that you’ve put effort into identifying your strengths, weaknesses, and interests, and you’re ready to set goals and achieve them. Be specific and come up with a clear plan on what you want to achieve so that your boss can offer guidance.
2. Schedule a meeting
Sending an email or requesting a few minutes of your boss’s time for a quick chat may not be the best approach. Schedule a meeting with your boss and let them know the purpose of the meeting in advance. This gives your boss time to think about how they can help you and its shows how serious you are about your career growth.
3. Communicate your goals
When discussing career development with your boss, communicate your goals in a way that’s clear and concise. Explain how the career development opportunity you’re interested in can help you achieve your goals, and how you can contribute to the organization after mastering new skills. If possible, give a presentation outlining your thoughts to make it easy for your boss to understand.
4. Listen to feedback and suggestions
Your boss may not have anticipated such a request from you but hearing you out is essential to them. Listen to their feedback and suggestions carefully. Although your boss may not always be right, they have more experience than you, and they know the industry better. They can suggest alternatives on how to achieve your targets or advise on the feasibility of your existing plan.
5. Follow-up and show initiative
After your meeting, follow up with your boss to confirm the agreed-upon career development plan and make inquiries about opportunities that may be coming up soon. If you’re proactive about seeking and doing extra training in your own time, your boss will notice. If you show initiative, your boss will more likely assign you important tasks that will help you develop the skills you need.
Conclusion
Approaching your boss for career development opportunities takes courage, but it’s essential for your career growth. Research and plan before scheduling a meeting with your boss, communicate your goals clearly, listen to feedback and suggestions, and show initiative after the meeting. Following these tips will help you approach the discussion with confidence, create a clear career development path, while showing that you are capable, serious, and ready for more significant career opportunities.
