Want to progress in your career but don’t know how to go about it?
The sense of moving forward in our working lives and working towards something is important – it motivates and inspires us. Some professionals like to move up the career ladder as quickly as possible, while others want to experience new and different things from their careers. Whatever you feel about your career progression, being able to openly discuss this – and feeling comfortable about communicating your thoughts to your manager – is pivotal when developing and shaping your career. So how can you have constructive discussions with your manager? While it can be difficult to approach your manager to discuss career progression – and even harder to judge when this discussion is appropriate – the dialogue is essential for organisations and professionals alike.
Set up a meeting
In a busy work environment, it is crucial you and your manager have sufficient time to discuss your career progression. Ask for a meeting and be clear about what you want to discuss. Remember to ask for enough time so that you can have a lengthy discussion about all points you wish to raise. While managers may be busy, they should understand that it is important to make time for this. Until you have an open discussion, you may not realise the opportunities available to you.
Preparation is key
To prepare, reflect on your achievements, strengths and abilities, and consider areas for development. As well as shaping your thoughts and focus, this preparation is important in a busy work environment to ensure your discussion is as constructive as possible in the time allocated.
Think carefully about who can help you
While your line manager will often be the first point of contact when discussing career development, there will often be a number of other individuals in your organisation who can help you with this discussion, particularly the HR and personnel department. Thinking carefully about who the best person to approach is will make sure the conversation is as useful as possible.
Develop relationships
Developing good relationships with your colleagues can be very useful when developing your thoughts and ideas about your career progression. Hearing about other people's experiences can foster development and focus your career goals. Having these conversations ahead of discussions with your manager will frame your thoughts about your future and what is achievable within your organisation.
Willingness to develop and learn
Demonstrating that you are willing to engage and manage your own development will be noticed. Sharing your experiences and keenness to increase your skills and knowledge with your manager and other influential people in your organisation will encourage them to support you
