How to Have Conversations that Advance your Career
Have you ever found yourself frustrated when others don't seem to understand your expectations? If this scenario sounds familiar, you're not alone. Oftentimes, we anticipate others to perceive our desires without us explicitly communicating them.
The fact is we often set others up for failure because we expect them to read our minds. The good news is that once we acknowledge this, we can take proactive steps to rectify it.
Open dialogues about expectations, both from the employer’s perspective and our own, are pivotal in any workplace. For those aiming for career advancement, initiating discussions with your manager is crucial. Just as they express their expectations of you, you should convey your aspirations to them.
Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that the top three reasons people leave their jobs include inadequate pay, limited advancement opportunities, and a sense of disrespect. While systemic issues do exist in workplaces, there are also opportunities for individuals to advocate for themselves. By initiating conversations about career growth, we can open doors to a world of possibilities.
Here's how to initiate productive career conversations that can advance your career:
Find the Right Time
Choose an appropriate time for the conversation. Avoid bringing up the topic during particularly busy or stressful periods. Schedule a one-on-one meeting to ensure you have your boss's full attention and a private space to discuss freely.
Express Interest
Clearly communicate your interest in taking on more responsibilities and challenges. Share your passion for the company's goals and your desire to contribute at a higher level. Transparent conversations about your intentions prevent misunderstandings and enable exploration of growth opportunities
Seek Constructive Feedback
Ask for your boss's opinion on your performance and potential for growth. This can open up a dialogue and provide you with insights into areas you can further improve. Be open to criticism and ask specific questions. The Situation, Behavior, Impact (SBI) framework can help elicit specific feedback and avoid leading questions. An example is, "Can you provide feedback on how I handled the recent project (Situation), my approach to delegation (Behavior), and its impact on the team's efficiency (Impact)?"
Discuss Future Goals
Approach the conversation with curiosity. Inquire about available growth opportunities and roles aligned with your skills. Outline your long-term goals within the company and how you believe the promotion would contribute to your personal and professional development. Ask for input and guidance on how best to achieve your goals and grow your skills to meet role requirements.
Address Concerns
Address any concerns your boss raises openly. Stay calm and listen without trying to formulate a response or defense. Paraphrase their concerns to check for understanding and ask for examples if anything is unclear. Take responsibility and work with your manager to create a plan to address the concerns. If you’re unable to think about solutions in the moment, ask if you can revisit the conversation after you've had some time to think more about the conversation.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Acting as though you’re already a leader can catch the attention of higher-ups. Foster inclusivity, practice active listening, communicate effectively, and proactively take initiative. When addressing issues, concentrate on proposing solutions. Share your decision-making processes and actively seek opportunities for learning to enrich your team.
Showcase Achievements and Growth
Begin by showcasing your accomplishments and contributions to the company. Discuss projects you've successfully completed, goals you've exceeded, and any positive impacts you've made on the team or the organization as a whole. Highlight your skill development since your last assessment or joining the company. Mention any additional training, certifications, or skills acquired that align with the desired promotion's requirements.
In a Nutshell
By engaging in these strategic discussions, you're taking the reins of your career progression. Transparent conversations not only benefit your personal growth but also contribute positively to your team and the organization as a whole. Remember, proactive communication and a leadership mindset can propel you toward your career aspirations.
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