Do you take notes?
Are you looking for that promotion? These three powerful questions can help. They show that you are committed, and also provide important insights that stimulate your professional development.
Asking questions
We often think that getting a promotion goes hand in hand with exclaiming how great we are doing our job. And while it is certainly true that we should be proud of everything we have achieved and that we should certainly convey this, there is another essential part of progressing in your career. So are you convinced that you have earned that promotion? Laura Ashley-Timms, co-author of The Answer is a Question, recommends three questions you should definitely ask your boss.
1. ‘Which tasks in your work pile could I take over?’
“You’re probably looking for a promotion not just for the increased salary, but because your current position no longer challenges you and you’re ready for the next challenge,” says Ashley-Timms. At the same time, there is a good chance that your boss has a large pile of tasks on his or her desk that could actually be better passed on to another staff member. A way that is guaranteed to please your boss? Make his or her job easier and ask if you can take over some tasks. This has a double effect: you take pressure off your boss and show that you are capable of taking on more responsibility.
In addition, Ashley-Timms says, “It provides you with the opportunity to enhance your skills and demonstrate your ability to successfully complete higher level work.” She also emphasizes that it is not about doing work for your boss, but more about gaining experience. “This is all for your own advancement and success within the company.”
2. ‘What would a good relationship between us look like to you?’
Strong relationships at work are very important, whether it’s with colleagues or your boss. A good relationship with your boss is especially important if you want to open doors for further professional development. “Ask how your manager envisions a successful relationship between the two of you allows you to explore together what dynamics work best for both of you. This can reveal some pain points that you and your manager can both work on, and it also helps you better understand what is expected of you in the workplace,” says Ashley-Timms.
Promotions and salary increases – unfortunately – do not come out of the blue. “That’s why it’s essential to be open with your boss and show your willingness to build the relationship between the two of you. This will ultimately create a strong foundation of honesty and trust, which is crucial to being considered for a promotion.”
3. “What specifically would you like to see from me to be considered for promotion?”
This question may seem a bit straight forward, but according to Ashley-Timms there is nothing wrong with that. She says: “Questions that start with ‘why’ can feel personal and evoke defensiveness from your boss. By rephrasing the question, you open the door to a more productive and positive conversation between you and your boss.” An open conversation allows you to bring examples into the conversation in which areas you have been successful and gives your boss the opportunity to indicate which areas still need improvement.
Source: Marie Claire | Image: Adobe Stock
