How to Initiate a Career Development Discussion with Your Manager
As employees, it’s natural to want to discuss your career growth with your manager. After all, they are the ones who can guide you and provide vital feedback. However, starting this conversation can be a bit daunting, and many employees shy away from it. Here are some tips on how to initiate a career development discussion with your manager:
1. Prepare yourself
Before approaching your boss, take some time to prepare yourself. You should have a clear idea of your goals and what you want to achieve in your career. It’s also important to analyze your current role and assess how it aligns with your long-term objectives. Conducting proper research about the industry and your job position may also help provide clarity about the skills you need to acquire and highlight the valuable contributions you bring to the company.
2. Be specific
When approaching your boss, be specific about the topics you want to discuss. You can come up with a list of necessary skills or credentials that you need to acquire in your job. Also, it’s essential to be clear about the direction you want to take your career growth. The more specific and concrete your goals are, the easier it will be for your boss to provide you with tailored feedback.
3. Do not wait for performance reviews
Performance reviews are traditional settings to discuss the progress of your career growth. However, you should not limit your discussions to those times only. Instead, schedule informal meetings to discuss your progress and priorities. This allows you and your boss to stay aligned on the areas where you should focus your development and help to reinforce the conversation as an ongoing process.
4. Explain your development plan
Come prepared with an outline of your career plan, highlighting your focus areas and development plans. Explain how your current responsibilities align with your goals and the standard timelines you set for yourself. Present your development plan in a non-confrontational way, as this creates room for discussion and recommended changes.
5. Be open to feedback
It’s important to be open to feedback and suggestions from your boss. After all, they have the experience and knowledge of the industry and company, so their input is valuable. Listen carefully to their concerns about your career plan, and find ways to work together to achieve your goals.
Conclusion
Initiating a career development discussion with your boss can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for your growth. Prepare yourself beforehand and be specific about what you want to discuss. Don’t wait for a performance review, schedule informal meetings to discuss your progress and priorities. Come prepared with an outline of your career plan and be open to feedback from your boss. Following these steps is a great way to start the conversation and take control of your career development.
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