Have you ever felt stuck in a career rut? 

Maybe you feel like you need different challenges, or you believe you’re ready for a higher-level position.

How do you get out of this rut?

It’s time to have an influential conversation with your boss and gain support for working on your career growth.

 Here are some practical tips to help you have that critical conversation.

Prepare

Take time to prepare for the conversation with your boss. Consider your career goals, what you bring to the table, and how your goals align with the company’s objectives, culture, values, and strategic direction. This will help you frame the conversation in a way that resonates with your boss. In other words, what’s in it for your boss and the company by helping you advance your career? You are essentially developing a business case that will make it easier for your boss to say “yes” to help you advance your career.

Work on Your Mindset

If you’re not confident, it will show. If you’re frustrated and feel like you’ve been treated unfairly, it will show. Work on building your confidence by practicing with a coach. Open up your mindset by telling yourself a different story about how you landed in your rut – one that is more optimistic and assumes innocence rather than playing the victim of your circumstances. Remember, your boss’s success is measured by your success, and they may have valuable insights and feedback that can help you achieve your career goals.

Start Strong

When you initiate the conversation with your boss, start strong by framing your goals in alignment with the company’s objectives. Talk about the company’s future direction and express your excitement to contribute at a deeper level to help the company achieve those objectives. For example, you might say, “I’m excited about our strategic direction and eager to take on more responsibility and contribute to the company’s growth. I’d love to explore opportunities for career advancement within the organization.”

Describe What You Want

Be clear about what you want to achieve in your career. Are you looking to move into a specific role or elevate to the next leadership level? Do you want to remain in your position and expand your level of responsibility? Are you open to lateral positions to gain exposure and experience? Talk about your skills, experience, and successes that support your career aspiration. 

Ask Questions

After sharing what you want, ask questions to gather feedback. Here are a few of my favorite questions to ask:

• What do I need to demonstrate on the job to indicate that I’m ready for the next level?
• Based on my background, what are the strongest skills and traits that indicate I would be an asset in the role(s) we discussed? Where do you see gaps? What suggestions do you have for developing those skills to close those gaps?
• Who else should I speak with about my career aspirations?
• How might I get on the radar of the appropriate people to be considered for this type of role when it becomes available?

Create Your Action Plan

Work with your boss on an action plan that outlines the specific things you can do to achieve your career goals. Your plan might include taking on stretch projects, working with a mentor or coach, expanding your network across functional areas in the company, and having ongoing meetings with your boss. Don’t skip this step! Putting together a plan and working on the plan demonstrates you are committed to doing what it takes to achieve your career goals.

Always remember that YOU are in the driver’s seat of your career – not your boss or your company. I encourage you to take ACTION to steer your career in the direction you want it to go!

Wishing you the best!