DISCUSSING CAREER GOALS WITH YOUR BOSS

by Venchito Tampon | Last Updated on November 17, 2016

Some Asians are not trained to confront their managers and bosses regarding their work performances, others only reach out when problems occurred, particularly if they are involved in the issue.

This is not a blank statement.

The point is to give you an understanding that discussing your career goals with your boss is critical to your career success.

IDG Research did a study that indicates that 57% of how we feel about our job comes from external factors that are outside our control, and 43% comes from intrinsic motivation and attitudes that we can control.

Work engagement involving motivating yourself and discussing your career goals is your personal responsibility. Employers can take part, but you should foster growth in your career.

Here are four tips to help you discuss your career goals with your manager or boss.

1. Share your three to five year career aspirations

Longer than 3 or 5 years won’t make sense, as there will be a lot of changes after a decade or so. Thinking short term isn’t only ideal but will consider you for actions to take within that short period.

Before you initiate a meeting with your boss or wait for your quarterly or semi-annual talk with him, list down your three to five year career aspirations.

During your meeting, ask if those goals you see are realistic. Is it something your company will be able to provide, i.e. a career path that is aligned with your plans.

Knowing this doesn’t just give you assurance of stay, but it fosters career growth above anything else.

He or she may not have an exact career path he can share with you, even a strategic and concrete one. In this case, you can ask your boss based on their understanding of your limitations and strengths. They would suggest a different career path considering that knowledge of opportunities that you don’t have or specific insights into your strengths.

2. Qualifications for future roles

As you move up the corporate ladder, it entails qualifications in order to position yourself into future roles.

Ask your boss on what knowledge, skills, and experiences you need to build as early as now to reach your goals. Discuss the gap between your current performance and the profile that you need to acquire to qualify for the job that you want.

3. Request for unique projects or opportunities

If you’re doing a great job in your current role and wanted to grow more, you can request for unique projects or opportunities from your boss.

You can ask if there are opportunities where you can be his or her assistant as he leads other teams in your department or get some corporate trainings (individual or group) aside from regular events in your company.

It’s quite cheesy or seems bragging about yourself, but some professionals lack this. As Jonathan Yabut, the first Apprentice Asia Winner says, “actions should speak louder with words”. Silence and timidity won’t give you promotion.

Growth is one critical part to engage yourself at work and is necessary to advance your career. Be proactive. It’s your job to ask your boss about your current performance and what career path the company can take you further.

YOUR TURN

How do you discuss career goals with your boss?

Leave a quick comment below.

I’ll be around today to reply to comments and answer questions.