We all know that 2020 was a wild year. It was a year of becoming more aware and reprioritizing what’s essential in our lives. As a whole, we realized that life is too short, and we don’t have any time to waste—personally or professionally.
You want to love your job. Maybe you’ve decided it’s time to take a shot at a promotion or make some big decisions about what is the next right move. Regardless of how your career goals have changed, the important thing to realize is that they have changed, and you need to make space for them.
Taking the leap to start a career development conversation can be an anxiety-inducing experience, even in the best-case scenario. Creating a regular, open dialogue with your boss can ease the difficulty around “big talks.” If you’re still feeling unsure, listen to my podcast about four things you shouldn’t do when asking for a promotion, and let’s take a look at some things you should do when you’re ready to talk about a promotion with your boss.
The lead-up
You’ve put your time in, and you’re starting to feel stuck. Over the years, your role has expanded, and so have your skills. But you’re still getting paid the same, and your title hasn’t changed. Something has to give.
It’s time to talk to your boss about a promotion. But first, reflect on your journey.
Odds are, you are already doing some of the work you would take on with your promotion. Take time to assess how your role has expanded and how you would like to develop professionally moving forward. Don’t forget to list the things you’ve grown past that you would no longer like on your plate.
There are a million points you want to make swirling around in your head, so it’s time to brain dump and organize. Evaluate what matters to you, your financial ask, and most importantly, where you have room to bend or where to hold your ground.
Be sure to access my free download, Making the Case for Promotion, to help you with this process. This download will help you gain clarity, organize your thoughts, and give you a reference point when the big talk comes.
Starting the conversation
The conversation with your boss starts well before your scheduled meeting time. Be assertive. Don’t wait for your annual review; have the conversation when you are ready. Asking for a promotion does not make you difficult or ungrateful. It shows you are a leader who is willing to advocate for yourself and your place in the organization.
While you are still game planning your strategy, get your conversation on their calendar. Having a firm date in place will keep you accountable and ensure you spend time collecting your thoughts before your meeting.
Simply let your boss know you would like to schedule a time to talk about your growth within the organization. Set a date, do your homework, and show up prepared. You WILL be nervous, but speaking up for yourself feels fantastic. No matter what happens after the meeting, you showed up for yourself—big time.
After the talk
One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of having a big talk with your boss is the uncharted post-talk reality. If you get the promotion, mission accomplished! Your new path is clear. But what if you don’t? What then?
The best thing you can do if things don’t work out your way is to get curious. Ask questions to find out what exactly happened and where potential gaps are. Maybe your organization doesn’t have money to give raises or promotions right now. That’s fine; now you know. Ask to get on your boss’s calendar six months from now, and ask again.
If the answer is a flat-out “no,” it’s important to understand why so you can decide if you are a long-term fit for the organization. If they are citing a developmental issue, asking questions can help you identify any gaps in your work that may be holding you back. Suppose you disagree with their assessment. In that case, it’s better to know now and allow yourself to find work with a different organization that will value you and your experience.
Our most valuable commodity is our time. Initiating a career development talk can be an emotionally charged experience. But with the right planning and preparation, you can take your growth into your own hands instead of wasting your time playing small.
