Maybe it’s time for your annual performance review. You’ve worked hard and have done well in your current position. But, you’re ready for a new challenge, perhaps in a different department. How can you discuss this topic with your boss without alienating him?
Here’s how The Fast Track Way can help you have a productive discussion:
Step 1-Analyze Your Situation: You only partially understand your boss’ perspective. You know that he thinks you’ve performed exceptionally well. However, you don’t know what he might think about your leaving his department. Your purpose is two-fold. First, you want to assess whether he’s willing to help you make your next career move. Second, you need to make sure you maintain your currently-positive relationship. Bear in mind that if you do have an opportunity to change jobs, you may need a reference from him.
Step 2-State Your Main Point, Message, or Theme: If you receive another excellent performance review, you can say: “ Over the past year and a half, I’ve enjoyed working in this department and have also appreciated the opportunity to learn from you. What do you see as my next career step?”
Assuming your boss is receptive to discussing your moving on, you can use a combined version of Steps 3 and 4 to guide you as you talk with him:
Step 3-Know Your Logic Flow AND Step 4-Integrate Your Information:
· My strengths and where to I need to improve or develop:
- Strengths—analytical, diligent, good communicator
- Developmental needs—managing people, dealing with corporate culture
· Areas of the company that might be good next steps:
- Our department—move into managerial role
- Planning department—move to managing a small team
- Other suggestions he may have
· How we can implement my next career move
- His thoughts concerning timing (i.e., when you’d move on)
- His thoughts concerning where you should move
- How you can work together in this effort.
If your boss isn’t enthusiastic about discussing how to implement your career move, don’t force the conversation. If you do, you risk alienating him and jeopardizing his giving you an excellent reference. Instead, after your meeting, think about who else, whether in or outside your company, might be willing to advise you on your career strategy.
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