Written by Risa Kahn, Senior Recruiting Manager of New Dimensions in Technology, Inc. (NDT)
It’s February….LOVE is in the air as we approach Valentine’s Day. But how many of us can say with complete honesty, “I LOVE my job?” Yes, there are many of us who can say that either consistently or at certain times. What about those who can’t? For many people, sitting down with their manager is a key step to rekindling passion for their work.
If you work for a manager who you can effectively communicate with and trust, ask them for a sit-down face-to-face meeting and provide some advance insight into what you wish to discuss. A face-to-face meeting is always a better way to communicate
professionally, if you are able to do so. Here are some points to think about before the meeting.
Be in the know. How is your company doing? It is much easier to ask for more responsibilities when your company is doing well and there is a lot to get done. If your company is not doing well, you can also ask for more responsibilities as things have to
get done perhaps with fewer resources. Try to make yourself visible and valued and be known as someone who can creatively develop solutions.
Look in the mirror. How do you think your manager perceives you? Before engaging in a meeting with your manager, you need to ask yourself if you are truly excited about the products you are managing and the business opportunities for them. Do you exude
the passion needed to be considered a star in your role?
Read the room. Although your professional needs and aspirations are important, there could be things going on with your manager or your team that you might not be privy to knowing. If your manager has been distant or distracted, hold off a bit before initiating
this type of conversation. Wait for a better time when they are more focused, engaged, or happier and then ask for a meeting.
Ask, Listen and Follow Up. Share what is on your mind re: enhancing and growing your experience. Ask/suggest how you may take on new responsibilities/collaborate cross-discipline on new initiatives/new tool use (e.g., AI). Agree upon best time and method to follow up on next steps/conversation.
Be ok with NO…at least for the moment. Timing is everything in life. Often the time you want to upskill and undertake more responsibilities is not the primary focus of your team or the company at that time. It’s still perfectly fine to present your case and get a response of NO. It is also ok to ask if there might be a path forward so that you can meet your career objectives at a later time, when things might calm down. Time might proceed and you get to YES. If time goes on and there is no chance for change, then it might be the right time to explore your next career move.