| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion 15:26 - Dec 1 with 2218 views | blueasfook |
TWTD advice needed...
I have been feeling a bit unhappy in my job last few months. Have been at my current company about 5.5 years and always had good performance scores etc. In my year end feedback, a colleague I work with has recommended me for promotion, but my boss seems reticent. I've mentioned that I would like to go for promotion in the past, but it just seems to be ignored. I have booked a 1:1 with him for monday as it's come to a point where I have decided to leave if I don't get promoted soon. I had the offer of a more senior role at another company recently but turned it down - which I kind of regret now. How should I best approach it? I don't want to lay down ultimatums, but should I be frank and just say how I am feeling? [Post edited 1 Dec 2023 15:26]
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:33 - Dec 1 with 2166 views | JakeITFC |
Moving from flipping burgers to working on the tills isn't all it's cracked up to be. |  | | |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:37 - Dec 1 with 2155 views | blueasfook |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:33 - Dec 1 by JakeITFC |
Moving from flipping burgers to working on the tills isn't all it's cracked up to be. |
Hilarious. Actually I want to go from collecting trolleys to being allowed inside the store | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:37 - Dec 1 with 2157 views | Herbivore |
Tell him you're worried free newspapers are dying out and you're ready to start delivering the paid for ones now. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:47 - Dec 1 with 2119 views | unbelievablue |
Why do you think they are reticent?
Try and work backwards from that point. Might help frame your thinking/approach. My boss was reticent a year ago because she didn't think I was ready - but she was upfront about that, which made it easier. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:53 - Dec 1 with 2087 views | Illinoisblue |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:33 - Dec 1 by JakeITFC |
Moving from flipping burgers to working on the tills isn't all it's cracked up to be. |
I was here for this response, just surprised it took 7 minutes. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:54 - Dec 1 with 2087 views | bluelagos |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:47 - Dec 1 by unbelievablue |
Why do you think they are reticent?
Try and work backwards from that point. Might help frame your thinking/approach. My boss was reticent a year ago because she didn't think I was ready - but she was upfront about that, which made it easier. |
Yep
Best career advice I ever got was from a manager telling me why she wouldn't consider me for a promotion. I was working in a Finance dept and my skills were IT focused - simple as.
She said the company would support me if I wanted to study accounting - and I took her up on the offer.
I think her honesty was exactly what I needed to hear. And have on a number of occasions stopped interviews and told candidates I wouldn't be taking their applications on - and offering to explain why.
Feedback can be hard to give and to receive. But without it, how can people learn/develop?
OP - lay yer cards on the table and ask for an honest opinion / feedback. You might be pleasantly surprised, you might learn something - but whatever, what have you lost? |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:54 - Dec 1 with 2086 views | blueasfook |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:47 - Dec 1 by unbelievablue |
Why do you think they are reticent?
Try and work backwards from that point. Might help frame your thinking/approach. My boss was reticent a year ago because she didn't think I was ready - but she was upfront about that, which made it easier. |
Well that's why I have booked a 1:1. I'd like to ask if my boss thinks I am worthy of promotion. If not, why not? And if not, what do I need to do to be considered for promotion. Maybe a set of objectives could be agreed that if I achieve, then I can go for promotion.
At the moment, I just feel like its a mystery. I have seen others get promoted while I have been at this company, even people who haven't been here as long as me. In myself, I feel I have worked hard and do a senior role anyway, without the title! | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:55 - Dec 1 with 2084 views | unbelievablue |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:54 - Dec 1 by blueasfook |
Well that's why I have booked a 1:1. I'd like to ask if my boss thinks I am worthy of promotion. If not, why not? And if not, what do I need to do to be considered for promotion. Maybe a set of objectives could be agreed that if I achieve, then I can go for promotion.
At the moment, I just feel like its a mystery. I have seen others get promoted while I have been at this company, even people who haven't been here as long as me. In myself, I feel I have worked hard and do a senior role anyway, without the title! |
Does sound a bit like a communication gap. Should really be on them if they're any good as a boss, but you're basically having to force it. Unfortunate but good on you for doing so. | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:57 - Dec 1 with 2067 views | BlueBadger |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:37 - Dec 1 by Herbivore |
Tell him you're worried free newspapers are dying out and you're ready to start delivering the paid for ones now. |
Blueas hates banter, innit. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:57 - Dec 1 with 2066 views | BlueBadger |
Maybe spend less time dicking about on TWTD and do more actual work? | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:58 - Dec 1 with 2074 views | blueasfook |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:55 - Dec 1 by unbelievablue |
Does sound a bit like a communication gap. Should really be on them if they're any good as a boss, but you're basically having to force it. Unfortunate but good on you for doing so. |
Yeah my boss isn't the most hands-on. I hardly ever touch base with him. But anyway, he's going to be looking for a new team member in the new year if I don't get some clear answers. (although I won't put it quite like that of course!) | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 16:09 - Dec 1 with 2034 views | bluelagos |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:58 - Dec 1 by blueasfook |
Yeah my boss isn't the most hands-on. I hardly ever touch base with him. But anyway, he's going to be looking for a new team member in the new year if I don't get some clear answers. (although I won't put it quite like that of course!) |
Why not?
If you get to the point of wanting out - you not think you should explain that to him?
My biggest career mess up - was 18 months with a firm and the boss was asking those around me about my performance. Company had a few issues (poor results) so I misread that as my being lined up to be made redundant.
So looked for another job.
Boss called me in for a career chat and offered me a promotion. Now that was awkward - explaining I had a final interview later in the week with another company.
At my exit interview - he was really clear I'd have been better speaking to him (when worried about redundancy) rather assuming the worst.
Kin hell - feel like am giving a lot of careers advice today...but point being - IF you are feeling unhappy - tell the guy ffs. He might just do something about it. And if he doesn't - what have you lost? | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 16:27 - Dec 1 with 1983 views | blueasfook |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 16:09 - Dec 1 by bluelagos |
Why not?
If you get to the point of wanting out - you not think you should explain that to him?
My biggest career mess up - was 18 months with a firm and the boss was asking those around me about my performance. Company had a few issues (poor results) so I misread that as my being lined up to be made redundant.
So looked for another job.
Boss called me in for a career chat and offered me a promotion. Now that was awkward - explaining I had a final interview later in the week with another company.
At my exit interview - he was really clear I'd have been better speaking to him (when worried about redundancy) rather assuming the worst.
Kin hell - feel like am giving a lot of careers advice today...but point being - IF you are feeling unhappy - tell the guy ffs. He might just do something about it. And if he doesn't - what have you lost? |
Yeah i will, Just the fact I've booked a chat with him should tell him I am unhappy I would hope. But yeah, what I meant was, I don't want to give ultimatums like "If I don't get promoted, I'm leaving" as that seems a bit petulant and liable to make me come across like a spoilt child. But yes, I will certainly be putting across that I am not happy just in case he doesn't pick up on that. If nothing happens, then it's obvious I should probably move on anyway. | |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 17:13 - Dec 1 with 1847 views | Basuco |
Nothing wrong with saying you feel you are ready to take the next step in your career and you would like it to be here, and see what the reply is, 5 years is long enough for them to see what you are capable of, some companies are good at keeping you in the same role for as long as possible with a small pay rise each year to keep you from looking elsewhere. Often the only way to advance your career and salary is to move on. But it is worth giving them the chance to keep you by letting them know you are looking to advance. |  | | |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 17:37 - Dec 1 with 1805 views | MK1 |
Point out all the positives. Stay calm, regardless. Tell him you love working there and that you are looking for progression. Build a relationship with what ever time you have with him. The most important thing above all, is, DON'T DO ANYTHING HASTY. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 17:49 - Dec 1 with 1792 views | The_Flashing_Smile |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:54 - Dec 1 by blueasfook |
Well that's why I have booked a 1:1. I'd like to ask if my boss thinks I am worthy of promotion. If not, why not? And if not, what do I need to do to be considered for promotion. Maybe a set of objectives could be agreed that if I achieve, then I can go for promotion.
At the moment, I just feel like its a mystery. I have seen others get promoted while I have been at this company, even people who haven't been here as long as me. In myself, I feel I have worked hard and do a senior role anyway, without the title! |
Has he seen your TWTD posting history? |  |
| Trust the process. Trust Phil. |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 18:43 - Dec 1 with 1758 views | Dubtractor |
Do jobs exist where you just get a promotion - every workplace I've been in you'd wait for a vacancy then apply for it, and hope you were better than the other candidates. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 20:14 - Dec 1 with 1702 views | Kropotkin123 |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:58 - Dec 1 by blueasfook |
Yeah my boss isn't the most hands-on. I hardly ever touch base with him. But anyway, he's going to be looking for a new team member in the new year if I don't get some clear answers. (although I won't put it quite like that of course!) |
You believing you deserve a promotion, the manager not giving one and not giving reasons for one, and the consequences of you not getting one in the near future are linked, but not the same thing.
I would recommend focusing on the reasons for not getting one, and supplimenting that with reason you feel you deserve one. The former may uncover things that you can work on to get one, and the latter may uncover things your manager may be overlooking that they are unaware of.
I would avoid introducing things like the consequence of not getting one. That can be something to talk about in a follow up meeting once you have reflected on what they have said. By introducing it in the same conversation you may demonstrate that you are unwilling to take adjusting feedback and you may come across as unnecessarily confrontational. People like to make decision free from the constraints of an ultimatum.
If you leverage yourself into a position, you may also find that you don’t see the related compensation increases over time. The person may end up regretting the feeling of promoting you as an ultimatum, and assess that you don’t deserve pay increases as a result of this bias you helped introduce.
My other piece of advice is you ask open and non-confrontational questions that demonstrate a growth-mindset:
General Openers
• "I've been working towards a promotion and I'd love your insights. Are there specific areas where you think I could improve to be considered for it?"
• "Could you help me understand the expectations or criteria for a promotion in our company? I want to ensure I'm aligned with those goals."
• "Is there any additional skill set or experience you believe I need to develop to be considered for a promotion?"
• "Are there any particular achievements or contributions you think would make a strong case for my promotion that I might have overlooked?"
• "I'm really invested in growing within the company. Can we discuss a roadmap or steps I can take to move closer to a promotion?"
Soft Skills
• “Are there any particular soft skills you believe I should focus on improving for a potential promotion?"
• "In your opinion, which soft skills do you think are most valuable for someone in my position aiming for advancement?"
• "Could you provide examples or instances where my soft skills have contributed positively to the team or the projects we've worked on?"
• "Could you provide examples or instances where I could have demonstrated more effective soft skills to contribut positively to the team or the projects we've worked on?"
• “Are there any specific training programs or resources you'd recommend for me to improve my soft-skills?”
Technical Skills
• “Are there any specific technical skills or certifications you believe would be beneficial for me in my current role or for potential advancement?"
• "In your experience, what technical skills do you think are most valuable for someone aspiring to advance in this department/company?"
• "I'm keen on staying up-to-date with industry trends. Are there any emerging technologies or tools you think I should familiarize myself with?"
• "I'm keen on staying up-to-date with industry trends. Are there any emerging technologies or tools you think I should familiarize myself with?"
• "I've been considering pursuing additional training or workshops to expand my technical skill set. Do you have any recommendations or insights on what might be beneficial for my role?"
Closing
• "Is there anything else you'd recommend or any other areas you think I should be focusing on to strengthen my candidacy for a promotion?"
• "I appreciate this conversation and the feedback you've given. Is there anything specific you feel I should keep in mind?”
• "I value your guidance. Are there any unspoken expectations or qualities you believe are essential for someone aiming for a promotion that I should be aware of?"
• “Is there anything you've observed that you feel I should emphasize or improve upon further?"
• "Thank you for your time and insights. Is there anyone else you'd recommend I speak with or any resources you think might help me on this path toward a promotion?"
Note, you don't need to ask each and every one of these, as it might get repetitive. So pick the ones you feel are relevant, tailor them to your situation, and pivot if something gets addressed sufficiently. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 20:43 - Dec 1 with 1670 views | Plums |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 18:43 - Dec 1 by Dubtractor |
Do jobs exist where you just get a promotion - every workplace I've been in you'd wait for a vacancy then apply for it, and hope you were better than the other candidates. |
I'm pleased somebody has asked this question. It all sounds very Victorian to me - which could ultimately be where the problem lies. |  |
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| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 18:51 - Dec 2 with 1473 views | BlueandTruesince82 |
| TWTD Hive Advice : How should I approach my boss re. promotion on 15:54 - Dec 1 by blueasfook |
Well that's why I have booked a 1:1. I'd like to ask if my boss thinks I am worthy of promotion. If not, why not? And if not, what do I need to do to be considered for promotion. Maybe a set of objectives could be agreed that if I achieve, then I can go for promotion.
At the moment, I just feel like its a mystery. I have seen others get promoted while I have been at this company, even people who haven't been here as long as me. In myself, I feel I have worked hard and do a senior role anyway, without the title! |
I think that's it, be honest about you want to achieve there and ask them if it's achievable with them and what more they need to see from you to get there.
If they are non committal or tell you it's not going to happen you know where you sit and look for something else.
If you do get something else and they then offer waht you wanted remember what lead you to leaving and that it will probably take you offering your notice again to get another one |  |
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