When it comes to career development, having regular conversations with your boss is essential. By discussing your goals and aspirations on a regular basis, you can ensure that you're on the same page and working towards a common goal. However, initiating these conversations can be daunting, especially if you're not sure how your boss will react.

3 Tips On How to Have Career Development Conversations

To help ensure that the conversation goes smoothly, here are a few tips:

1. Be Clear About Your Goals

Before you even start the conversation, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. What are your long-term career goals? What steps do you need to take to reach them? Having a clear understanding of what you want will make it easier to communicate your goals to your boss.

2. Do Your Research

Take the time to research your company's policies on career development. This will give you a better understanding of what opportunities are available to you and how your boss can support you. Be prepared to compromise: Keep in mind that not everything will go exactly as you plan. Be prepared to compromise and be flexible in your approach.

3. Be Positive and Optimistic

Approach conversation with a positive attitude and be open to new opportunities. By following these tips, you can ensure that your career development conversation with your boss is productive and fruitful.

Get More Tips

For more information about initiating career advancement conversations, read this guest blog I authored on understanding employer motivations. Be sure to take advantage of a 1:1 career coaching and counseling session, where we meet to discuss your current goals and challenges and create a strategic plan to help you not only get the tough conversations started, but won!