When it comes to mapping out your career, you can’t do it alone. If you think you’re ready to move up within your company, or even move beyond your company, can you tell your boss? Take the time to sit down and figure out what you want from your career. That way you’ll be better able to determine the necessary milestones for meeting your goals and whether you’re ready to share your thoughts with your boss.
Use personal networks: In cases where you don’t feel comfortable approaching your boss about your career path, utilise your personal networks instead. Connect with mentors or peers who may have advice on how to grow within your own company or how to position yourself to make an upward move when changing companies.
It’s crucial to get a sense foe how your boss will handle your ambition before engaging him or her in career conversations. The best managers are the ones who help you, even knowing that, ultimately, they will lose you. It’s a selfless, nurturing relationship. In contrast, when discussing career paths with their employees, some agitated and think more about who is going to take on this employee’s word about who is going to take on this employee’s word load, over how they can help that person achieve their goals.
Keep track of your success: A good way to help prove you’re ready to make an upward move is to document your successes. Do this throughout your career, not just when you’re ready to move up. Keep examples of stellar work or client kudos so you’re ready for a work-performance conversation.
Take responsibility: It’s your responsibility to advice own career. Take ownership of the process and make it as easy on your boss as possible to help you achieve those goals. You aren’t the only person with goals. Your manager has other people to manage. Address your boss when it’s important, but don’t monopolise his/her time.
Express gratitude to anyone helping you with your career, especially if it’s your boss. People are more willing to help someone who is polite and thoughtful.
