It all starts with communication — and that means you speak about your career goals and aspirations with your boss. So, how do you effectively approach discussing career goals with your manager?
With clarity, strategy, and professionalism — but that’s just the beginning. Here are some recommendations from an executive coach’s perspective to help you navigate this important conversation successfully:
Before Going For A Promotion, Do This First
In order to get what you want, you need to know what you want exactly. So, before even requesting a meeting, take these steps.
- Reflect on Your Goals
What do you truly want? Where do you see yourself going? Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and areas for improvement. Understand your long-term career aspirations by considering what energizes and uplifts you and what aspects of your current work aren’t fulfilling.
- Consider the Goals of the Organization
Know your company’s goals, current projects, and potential growth opportunities. Align your goals with the organization’s objectives. If your goals don’t align with the organization’s goals, it might be time to consider a job change.
- Start Broadcasting Your Success
Do your higher-ups really know what you do all day and how it impacts the company? Leaders are stretched thin, and if they don’t know how you’re succeeding, they won’t promote you. Establish communication with your managers early and make it a habit to routinely share specific examples of your accomplishments and how those successes have benefited company goals.
Request a Meeting — and Timing Matters
When you’re ready to aim higher, reach out to your manager for a meeting outside of your regular one-on-ones — but don’t do it in the middle of a crisis! Choose your moment carefully, and send a short, simple email like this:
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I want to find some time on your calendar for a discussion regarding my career development. I’ve been at the company for [time period], and I believe this conversation will help me understand how I can contribute to the organization’s success and how I should focus my professional development efforts moving forward so I can have the biggest impact here.
Can we set aside some time next week to discuss?
Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Start with enthusiasm — show genuine excitement about your future with the company and your willingness to contribute to its success. Work together to develop a clear career development plan with actionable steps and timelines.
Here’s a sample script to open your conversation:
Thank you for meeting with me today. I’ve been reflecting on my career goals and wanted to share them with you. Over the next few years, I aspire to take on more leadership roles within the company, specifically to become a team leader. I’ve enhanced my skills and led several key projects this year. With further development and your guidance, I can contribute even more to our team’s success. I would love to hear your thoughts and advice on how to best achieve this goal.
- Understanding Opportunities and Navigation
Ask your manager what opportunities are available, given your goals and aspirations. Determine if you need to learn new skills before moving up the ladder, what they are and how you can demonstrate them better. Inquire if there are no opportunities on your team. Is there another team you could work with to grow?
- Navigating Processes and Politics
Understand that your manager is not the sole decision-maker, especially regarding promotions. You need to comprehend how the organization works, including processes and tactics, key influencers, and how to raise your profile and be more visible to key people. Ask your boss for advice on who to observe and speak with and how to make your work more visible.
- Identifying and Evaluating Options
You and your manager will unlikely put together an elaborate plan in this first meeting. Once your manager presents you with options, thank them for their insights. Let them know you will think about what was discussed and propose a few solid next steps in a follow-up meeting.
Follow Up
Immediately following the meeting, send a thank-you email that summarizes the discussion and agreed-upon steps to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.
- Draft a Professional Development Plan
Take what you’ve learned and put together a forward-looking plan that outlines the next steps, including any new skills you need to acquire, any projects you’ve agreed to take on, and any important stakeholders you want to begin building relationships with.
- Keep Your Boss Informed
Keep your boss updated on your progress and any new achievements or milestones.
Go Get It!
With these steps, you can approach the conversation with preparation, clarity, and an open mind; you can effectively convey your career goals and aspirations to your boss, paving the way for your professional growth and development.
Kelly Meerbott, PCC is a renowned expert in executive leadership coaching, a TEDx and keynote speaker, author, and host of the podcast Hidden Human.
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