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How do you talk to your boss about leveling up in your career?

I have been working for the same large company (but on a small team) for 10 years at the same role. I want to grow in my career, take on new responsibilities and move into a managerial role. I think there's a good opportunity to move within my own company and think it's probably important to talk to my boss to get his help, but I'm nervous and don't know what to say to get his support. Any insight/tips you can share on how to approach this in a professional way that doesn't make him want to fire me or think lower of me as an employee on his team would be hugely helpful. Thanks!

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Derek’s Answer

Hi Scott -

This is a great question, I too have struggled with this issue in the past because it can feel like it depends on your relationship with your direct leader. I remember one scenario where I reached out to the District Director with my interest in becoming a manager, their response was I won't ever become a leader because he just didn't see it in me. That simple comment told me that company isn't where I want to be. So I started to look elsewhere for jobs with better career development. After finding one I partnered with my leader then and went from a Sales rep, to assistant manager, to HR Specialist, to finally leading the organizational change for the entire North America GEO. Long story short, be confident in asking that question as it's critical for you to know if this is a long term company or if you need to find another place to give your the experience you need to be successful long term.

To approach is a professional way, you can simply ask "Do we have any type of mid-year or yearly performance review that I could fill out to discuss my career progression?". When you ask be clear on what type of skills you want to learn, be honest on your strengths/weaknesses and listen to the feedback your manager provides.
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Chirayu’s Answer

As someone who moved into a new field completely different from the previous role, having a 1:1 is the key. Your manager or boss is the best person to talk about this as they may know about new opportunities or if you have connections through networking you may talk to them about it. Be confident and never doubt yourself if you think you can do something better or are suited for a better role elsewhere. You can tell your manager your skills can better used with another role which may further your career growth as no one wants to see any one held back and he/she may be able to guide in the right path.
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william’s Answer

Scott, I am a firm believer that "you control your own career". The first step is showing the willingness and aptitude to take on greater responsibilities (which it sounds like you are moving in that direction!). An easy way to take on those types of responsibilities are to find a current gap in your existing organization; something that no one has cared for yet. This could be identifying a process improvement, collaborating with other stakeholders to provide assistance on issues, working on a dashboard to provide visibility on progress, etc. Do this on your own, and gather requirements that it would take to accomplish the end goal.

Once you identified a project, set up a touchpoint with your management to pitch the idea that you'd like to run. Showing the ability to find an area of improvement and solutions to the issue, without management prompts to do so, really show leadership capabilities. I believe your manager would not only champion your efforts, but support you in future endeavors as well
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Shirley’s Answer

Hi Scott - this is a great question with a lot of great answers already and I echo a lot of what has been said.

From my personal experience, I think it is important to be prepared and confident for the 1:1 you have with your boss. Approach the meeting by starting with the facts after doing some self-reflection of your accomplishments and past performance. Come to the meeting with examples of where you believe you have gone above and beyond. Be prepared to share a few areas where you'd like to continue your development and be able to reconcile how increases in responsibility can attribute to that growth. Ensure this is not a one-time conversation. If your boss feels that you need more time to demonstrate certain skills, make sure you are putting time with him/her for frequent check-ins to make sure you are both on the same page regarding your progression. Take notes during each meeting so you have something tangible to refer back to. Ask for stretch opportunities where appropriate to demonstrate your readiness. As a last point, don't be afraid to ask for shadow opportunities and mentors outside of your immediate team that can shed insight on their own personal journeys and offer advice given their familiarity with your company.

I hope this helps - good luck!
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Connie’s Answer

Hi Scott,

Start with a personal assessment of where you see yourself in the short term (next 2 years) and the mid term (2-5 years). What do you really want to be doing and why? Next, right down the skill set and the job experiences that you feel best prepare you for the next level. Determine any gaps and then package together to share with your manager in an open discussion about your future goals.

Listen carefully for what actions you need to take to move to the next level at your current company. Conduct research with companies inside and outside of your industry that have openings in a level that you want to move to and make a comparison between your current company and others.

Good Luck!
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Pamela’s Answer

Don't be afraid to start that conversation with your boss during your one on one sessions. Let them know what your goals are and what specific area you'd like to focus advancing your career. Once you shared that ask of available opportunities/projects that you can volunteer to work on that will help you improve your skills.
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Dorina’s Answer

The fact you are being proactive about your career speaks volumes. If you do not already have those one on ones or reviews with your manager you should definitely schedule one. Make sure to keep track of your accomplishments and really highlight your successes. I know it is hard to brag about yourself sometimes but it really helps having concrete examples of why you are such an asset to the team and company. Make sure to add numbers and metrics which tell that success story. Next, list your areas of development and how you are pursuing lifelong learning. Ask others for feedback so you can list areas of improvement. We all have areas of opportunity and we should be aware what those are and develop a plan how to make improvements. When you share your plan that tells your manager and others that you are being proactive and taking measurable steps to continue developing yourself. Ultimately, if you are not getting the support you need after exhausting the above actions then you may need to consider if this is the right place for you or if it is time to look for another opportunity.
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Louella’s Answer

Really great answers already, that I will just echo. It's vitally important you know what's expected of you, how you're doing and or what expectations your supervisor has for you. And it doesn't sound like that's clear nor are there recurring meetings between your supervisor to discuss this. And he may not be comfortable himself OR think your content with where you are. So, you ask your supervisor if you all can meet to discuss your career goals, it can be quick ask in passing. Then follow up with a firm date/ time. Allowing you both time to prepare and be free to meet 1 on 1. And based off that conversation if they don't mention a follow up, you feel free to bring it up, so you both know what those expectations are. This should help you get answers you need, support you need and set up additional discussions down the line. Remove the "fear" of making the first move re your career. It's yours to blossom! Go after it!!
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jennifer’s Answer

I agree with a lot of the advise that have already been provided to you.

You should schedule a 1:1 with your supervisor & the first thing that you need to find out is to know your options. There are certain positions within the company that are not promotable. So if you want to be promoted, you might have to transfer to a different group or organization altogether. So the first step definitely, is to ask your boss what your options are to grow in the company.

Hope this helps!
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Martina’s Answer

Hi Scott, (1) Know your options. (2) Review the qualifications. (3) Establish your competitive edge. (4) Make a list of questions. (5) Ask for a meeting. (6) Share your ideas. (7) Receive feedback.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad that you have the plan to advance your career. And, your boss should be delighted to have a staff would like to a have career development path. However, you have to think and plan before having the dialogue with your boss.
Below are my suggestions :
1. you may think about your plan and what do you to achieve. I am not sure have attended any managerial related training course. If not , put this down on your plan.
2. Under your current job responsibilities, you may have to identify the areas you can make improvement or how do you think you can expand your existing role to cover more or supporting your other team member. This is to demonstrate with your capability.
3, Put down what do you want to achieve in coming years, e.g. some milestones or goals, etc.
4. I am not sure you have regular 1 to 1 session with your line manager. If not, schedule one with him. Have an open discussion with him to share with him/her on your career aspiration and your above mentioned above and seek his guidance and assistance.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Brandy’s Answer

I would start by saying to be confident in yourself. I dont see a manager wanting to fire you over wanting to progress your career, especially if you are wanting to do it within the same company. Personally, I would value an employee that wants to improve and is open to development and feedback. If you value your managers opinion, you could approach them with the request to be a mentor to you in order to develop managerial skills. You may also search out others in the company that you may want to mentor you also. You may also speak with them about taking on any special projects that puts you in a lead role for your team. This will give you the stage to showcase your leadership talent and to ask for there feedback (your manager and your peers).
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Matthew’s Answer

I agree with much of what was said. Couple things I'd like to suggest is be open to suggestions for improvement. Often there may be things you need to work on but without discussing them openly and honestly you won't be aware of them. Yes, you want to sell your best self. But like selling a home, sometimes feedback may lead you to make certain improvements of yourself that make you a more attractive candidate. My personal experience has been to be open to expanding and diversifying your knowledge and skill base. You may have the "goods" but it's the foundation that needs a little strengthening.
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Daphney’s Answer

Hi Scott! Excited to hear you want to move your career in the next step. One of the great ways to have this conversation with your manager or leadership team is during a 1:1. I would bring this to the attention of my manager and ask for valuable feedback on what they have seen as my areas of strength and weakness, and different ways I can work on them to move me to my next career step. Wish you the best!
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Kerwin A’s Answer

First, you are not alone in how to approach your boss to level up in your career. Second, I believe it is vital to self-evaluate ourselves to determine how we have performed in the past. Does my past performance exhibit excellence? How do my boss, peers, etc view me? Next, do I go above and beyond what is expected of me? If you answer, yes. Your boss should see this and be willing to help you level up. If not, help change your perception by asking for more responsibilities to demonstrate your abilities. Schedule time with your boss regularly to share your career goal and ask for assistance. Also, find someone who can mentor you for the next opportunity and can advocate for you.
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Rommel’s Answer

Continue to build your relationship with your supervisor. See if you can have a session where the topic will be just about your career path and getting his/her advice. If you solicit your supervisors help then they will hopefully tell you what areas to work on to move to additional work. There may also be opportunities for you to take on more for your current team if your boss knows your interests. It also helps because your boss could also talk about you to other managers. Ultimately if you are going to move within your company you will need a champion.
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Milly’s Answer

Excellent responses above! I would add to continue to believe in your talents, never give up! If you encounter failures or delays in your career journey, view them as teachable moments and opportunities to prepare for the next one.
I heard that Stephen Curry (Golden State Basketball player) missed over 4,000 shots in his career. That did not stop him!! Continue with great determination and the right door will open for you!

This article has some great tips: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/moving-up-the-ladder
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