Written by: Elin Byrén, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Are you not feeling fulfilled in your current job, and ready for new challenges?
Maybe you have thought about talking to your manager about your career aspirations, but then felt uncomfortable bringing up the subject. Or maybe you have discussed it one time, and you don't want to bring it up again.
Let’s face it, we are all occupied with our own lives. Your development and aspirations are not always on top of your manager’s mind, and just waiting for an opportunity to arise means that you are likely missing several because you weren’t vocal about it.
It is normal to feel uncomfortable when asking for things. Maybe it makes you feel awkward, and you don’t want to burden someone else with your request. Or maybe you're unsure how they will respond, and you don’t think it will lead to anything – so why bother anyway?
If you are not communicating what you want next in your career, what is the likelihood of someone just handing it to you?
On the other side of feeling a bit uncomfortable might just be the opportunity to lead a dream project or taking an interim assignment to cover for a colleague on parental leave. Or, even getting a promotion or a new role.
The first step is to book a meeting with your manager where you only focus on your development - make it clear that this is the purpose.
Be transparent in the conversation with your manager that you are ready for a new challenge, and the type of challenge you want.
Even if you don't yet know exactly what that next step could be for you, describe what interests you and ask what their idea of a next step could be.
Step two is to follow up. Decide what action items you have from this meeting and agree on a new time to follow up. Ideally, both of you have a couple of action items. Your manager might check the project pipeline or speak to their network, and you might take an internal course, or join a workshop about project X that is in line with your next step.
If you are ready for a bigger change – apply for internal roles. Be transparent with your manager that you are sending those applications to show you are serious about a new challenge. It can also speed up new opportunities in your current role.
It’s your job to drive your development, and it’s your manager's job to help and support you on the way. So, if you feel like you talk about your development plan a bit too often, that is probably the right level of follow-up to ensure your manager is doing their part. They should have you and your aspirations top of mind when a development opportunity arises.
If you are uncomfortable asking for what you want, know that it gets easier with time. So, let it be OK to be a bit uncomfortable, and keep the end goal in mind of that next step in your career.
Follow these easy steps, and you'll likely be surprised what it can lead to.
Elin Byrén, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Elin Byrén is a Career and mindset coach and the founder and CEO of Careers with Elin. With an M.Sc. Degree and background of 10+ years in the corporate world, she now uses her experience to support women to level up in their careers. Through her proven framework her clients learn the tools and the strategies to advocate for themselves and take charge of their careers, build confidence and clarity in the value they bring, and learn the step-by-step plan to reach their career aspirations. She advocates creating success on your own terms, working smarter and not harder to maximize results, and feeling great in the process.
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