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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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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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Thelma’s Answer

Career advancement is always a great topic and gaining confidence in seeking that advancement will take you further in each step you take. Here are three tips to guide you along the way:
1. Review your current performance: Reflect on previous performance reviews. Continue to execute in areas that you excel and if there are areas of focus, take action to make the improvements. Your current performance dictates to leadership your readiness for the next advancement.
2. Set up a 1x1 with your manager to express your desire to advance. There's a saying "closed mouths don't get fed." Speak up and make your desires known and why you feel you're ready to advance. Ask your manager if there are resources or someone that they can connect you with to aid your advancement.
3. Learn as much as you can! Leadership involves lots of skills such as time management, project management, people leadership and more. Resources such as LinkedIn Learning are great at taking courses to educate yourself. Also, check with your company for training opportunities available for career advancement.
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Ken’s Answer

These crucial conversations don't have to come with anxiety. I would encourage you to do your research first. That means, having an idea of what "leveling up" in your career requires. Do you need more education, experience, or other credentials? Have you developed a track record consistent with moving up? Once you have that in mind, ask your manager to review your development plan. Keep in mind, this is your plan, and you own it!

Be honest about what you've accomplished and compare and contrast those wins against what is required to move to the next level. You may be surprised that your manager is a promoter and not a detractor.
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Gerald’s Answer

Awesome question, I think a lot of this is looking at relationship building. Let them know you're thinking about your future then be curious, whether its your boss or another leader and just start with asking questions about their career journey. That can help you decide what questions to ask next. Is something in their journey similar to yours, highlight it and talk about it? Is something vastly different? Find out how they made the decision that came there. Their career journey very likely had a moment like the one that you're in. Your boss shouldn't view this as you looking to take their job, but that you're looking to grow and gain perspective. This can be huge in helping grow the mentor part of your working relationship.
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Zane’s Answer

Hi Scott - I would suggest using 1 on 1 sessions with your direct supervisor as an opportunity to ask about career development. I found that the majority of people in the corporate world have great advice to offer and all bring a different perspective to a similar topic - career & personal advancement. Ask your supervisor how he/she got into a leadership role and what advice they were given when they were looking to advance.
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Mike’s Answer

Hello Scott,

This is a great question. Pursuing leadership roles is a great step in progressing your career and broaden your skill sets. Leadership is about supporting your direct reports though effective coaching, listening and having discussions (effective communication) about challenges faced and understanding the different personalities that will exist within a team. This will help you build a rapport of trust and confidence as a leader.

Engage with leaders within your organization for feedback on what the day to day looks like. Question such as how do they handle a tough conversation, daily responsibilities and unforeseen pitfalls have they experienced will show initiative when speaking to your leader about your career choices.

Linkedin has a variety of "leadership skills" courses on this topic that can help you prepare for your next step in your journey.
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Chris’s Answer

I would have to start off with, make sure that your manager knows your intentions. If he/she, does not know that you are looking to progress in your career then they will not be able to help you with your journey. I have always told people that want to advance to a different role, you should start acting like you are in that role. For example, if you are asked to complete a task, when you report back on that task let your boss know your successes and failures, also how your teammates are doing with the same task. You should look at this task from your view, but also from the 1,000 ft view, or broader task view as well. Don't bring issues to your manager, brings solutions and your plans on how to act on them. If you do this consistently then your name will come up in promotional meetings.

Good luck!
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Kayleigh’s Answer

Hi Scott, this is a great question! I definitely think setting up dedicated 1:1 time to meet with your boss is a great way to approach this.

I would make sure you prepare in advance of the meeting and think about how you want to open the conversation. You could start by talking about the things you've learned in your current position, and how you have the desire to continue grow your business acumen within your company. You could then mention that you've noticed a few other roles within the company that you feel will give you an opportunity to grow and challenge yourself more.

From there, I think it will be critical to listen to how your manager reacts, do they agree this other role would be a great fit or do they feel like you will need to do some work to develop certain skills before you'd be considered ready to make the pivot? I think from there, it will be critical to take that feedback and begin to show to your manager that you've heard them and are making changes based upon it.

A good manager should ALWAYS support your career aspirations and journey. Go into the conversation with positivity and make sure to stress how you moving into a different role doesn't mean you don't want to work for that manager anymore, but you feel you're ready to take that next step in your career. Best of luck!
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James’s Answer

Hi Scott,

I would start out by echoing what a number of folks have said.

Make sure you establish 1:1 session with your leader/boss and do the following in those sessions:
1 - Make sure you are clear with them that you are looking to get to the next level.
2 -Be clear on the current job description and validate that you are meeting and exceeding those areas.
3 - Understand what their expectation of the next level is - obtain any performance indicators of the next level and self-assess yourself against those. Be honest with yourself, I have seen people who think that just doing the job makes them a star, but in effect, they are not operating at the next level.
4 - If you are meeting the standards of the next level, have conversations with your boss validating those facts and see if there is an opportunity to move to the next level.
5 - If you conclude that you are not performing at the next level, work with your boss to do stretch assignments at the next level to allow you to operate at the next level.
6 - Have regular check ins and agree on an assessment timeline and how long they think it will take you to move to the next level.

Good luck!
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Andrea’s Answer

Start by identifying what that path might look like for you, what roles do you envision taking in the future?

Connect with your boss in a 1-1 and talk about the key skills you need to develop in order to get there.

Sometimes it's about being at the right place in the right time. Look at all of the options, whether it is inside your current job or in a new organization. Multiple work experiences are encouraged these days.

Keep 'Brag log' of your achievements and the impact that you make in your workplace. What have been some of your wins/achievements/things you are proud of that you can keep track of? This will be helpful for those conversations with your boss whether it is an annual review or regular 1-1s.
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Jose’s Answer

It is very important to ensure that you are having career conversations with your manager. It can be intimidating if you haven't done this before, but it is the job of your manager to help you grow as an employee. Part of the conversation needs to be centered around what the next steps look like for you based on your experience, interests, and skill set. You have to take ownership of your career and not wait for anyone to approach you about future opportunities. Best way to begin this journey is with the creation of an Individual Development Plan. Also it is important to seek out mentors to have a different perspective and guidance on career advice.
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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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Elise’s Answer

Hi, Scott.
If you want to talk to your manager about a promotion, actions speak loudest. I’ve been successful at using a prop to focus their attention while I spoke. As an example, you noted the opportunity is there, put ink on paper, and share the value-add ideas (opportunities) you have as thoughts and speak to them one by one. You could have a page heading on the page such as ‘Growth Opportunities for xxx’ (xxx means to list company or department). And have approx. 3 bullet points that cover the details. You could focus their attention on the 3 points one by one, whether you are in person or online by sharing a screen.
Your closing statement is telling them how you appreciate their time and provide a copy of the document (just like we all like swag, leaders like takeaways they can review at their convenience). No manager/leader should consider firing an employee for a desire to grow, and earn advancement IF you show them patience, willingness to grow & learn, and always show respect. Keep in mind there is a school of thought out there, that you must do the job before you get the job so be sure you’re always advancing your knowledge, and skills and always share your talents with others.
Good luck, you got this!
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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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