Others Can Help, But You Have to Take Personal Responsibility for Your Career Success

A while back I did a presentation at a local company on building self-confidence. Yesterday one of the participants sent me an email with this question…

I’m coming up on my annual review Friday and would like to bring up possible advancement opportunities but am unsure how to approach this subject…do you have any pointers?

Here’s what I suggested.

At the end of the conversation – or during it if the opportunity presents itself – say something like…

“I really like working here.  This is a great company. “

“I’d like to take a few minutes to get your thoughts on what I can do to better my chances of moving up in the organization.”

“What do think is a good next step for me?”

“What do I need to do to prepare myself for this next step?”

“What do you see as my biggest development needs, and what can I do to begin addressing them?”

“What do you see as my strengths and how can I leverage them?”

If your manager doesn’t have the time to get into this type of conversation at this point, ask him or her to schedule a time when the two of you can meet to discuss them in detail.

The important thing here is that you’ll be putting your manager on notice that you are interested in advancement – and that you would really appreciate his or her help.

You have to be an advocate for yourself. If you’re interested in moving up in your company, you need to make sure that your boss knows. Asking for his or her help is a great way to begin.

If you take another look at the questions above – especially the last three — you’ll notice that they indicate that you are taking personal responsibility for your career success. You’re asking for help and guidance, but you’re indicating that you are willing do the work necessary to prepare yourself for a position of greater responsibility.

Try this approach. It works.

Your career mentor,

Bud

PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve.  Now I’m going one step further.  I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success.  And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free.  Just go to  www.BudBilanich.com/join  to claim your free membership. You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals.  I hope to see you there.