I would like to hear some feedback on a recent conversation with my leader.

Anonymous

August 18,2022 at 10:03PM UTC

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I would like to hear some feedback on a recent conversation with my leader. We have not had a career advancement conversation in over a year. I started the conversation the other day with him and asked for more responsibility. He asked me what I wanted to do, honestly I can handle just about anything in his org and he so acknowledged. Here is my rub, while I can express my interest to him I feel like some of the ownership is on him to know his entire organization and what can be moved around. I should add that I am not a rookie here, I am also in a Sr. role with 70+ reports and wanting to advance. The other comment he made was there are a lot of people in your position that want to advance. Am I wrong in feeling put off by his statements? I don't want to hear about others in the conversation and he needs to assist with expansion of my role. Signed.......looking for other opportunities

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Debra SesholtzAugust 18,2022 at 10:40PM UTC
His statement definitely wasn’t helpful. If there’s no clear path for advancing you, like an open role, you may have to go to him with more ammunition. Instead of asking for more responsibility, prepare a case for the type of additional responsibility you want to take on, the job title you feel it warrants, and a case for additional compensation. You might have better results when you do the heavy lifting rather than waiting on him to figure out how to advance you. This way, if he can’t advance you right away, you can ask for a development plan to get you where you want to be and a timeline. Hope you have better success with him. If there are no opportunities for advancement at this company, you may have to find an advanced role elsewhere. Good luck!
SLTAugust 18,2022 at 11:53PM UTC
I agree. But I disagree in one phrase: ".... wasn't helpful". I think the better word would be "encouraging". At least now she knows where she stands! 70 people are managed by her and all he can say is "lots of people want advancement"??!
I think she should certainly be more assertive and go after the advance roles with a portfolio of sorts illustrating "why NOT me?". If she's still overlooked, then she'll have the portfolio (and polished resume) for the next opportunity :)
AnonymousAugust 18,2022 at 10:48PM UTC
Its ok to feel what you feel. Now you know where you stand. Go ahead and apply for advancements. You can use it as a bargaining chip as a last attempt to see if he is willing to retain you through a promotion. And if not, it is clear you outgrew the place. And its ok. Not every boss is going to be a supportive boss and look after your self interest. Some are worse, some are better. Key is that you know precisely what you want out of your career and you go for it, fearless and without looking back. Good Luck on your next journey!
SLTAugust 18,2022 at 11:47PM UTC
I couldn't have said it better!!
I would feel put off by hearing about others. Seriously???!!!! Why is it relavant to have him bring that up.
I don't think you should leave.... Yet. Like it was said, certainly consider your options. If you are not an option where you are at, then you will be ready for the next which might be BETTER!!!!
AnonymousAugust 19,2022 at 1:55AM UTC
He is definitely treating you like a rookie and not a senior leader. The comments about others wanting to advance was such a veiled power move. What like because others may be ambitious, you are supposed stand down?
Very smarmy.
Kathryn MontbriandAugust 19,2022 at 3:34PM UTC
Are there other leaders within the organization that could give you some insight into what skills you need to demonstrate in order to advance? That might help you hone in on specifically what to ask your manager for.
If you have a trusted more senior leader or mentor, try reaching out to them for a development conversation - they may have a bigger picture perspective to offer on what is standing in your way and what tactics might work to get you the attention and recognition you deserve!
AnonymousAugust 21,2022 at 12:09AM UTC
I’s trying to understand this narrative. Have you identified a role you’re interested in? Something that’s a promotion? Or did you go to your boss and just say: I want more responsibility? If someone came to me and said this, I’d respond with: what do you want to do, what’s your passion? Frankly, it seems like you handed him an additional item for his to-do list. Something for him to figure out. I sense exasperation in his response: I’ve got a laundry list of people who want more responsibility, money and a promotion.
Given this, make it easy for him to fulfill your request. Target a new role, fill a hole for a position that’s been open, take him ideas on how you can hit the ground running in a new role.
What I’m hearing from you is that he has little time to spend on developing his subordinates so make it as easy as possible to say yes to your requests. Best of luck to you.
Maegan MAugust 22,2022 at 1:44AM UTC
I think you have some power here to advance yourself - despite his comments. What are you making that comment mean about you? Can you push forward despite it + others he might make? Have you ever thought about working with a career coach ? I can help you with this if you want to get on a consult call and explore what working together would be like! Here is my link https://maeganmillercoaching.as.me/consultcall