Being up-front with your boss about your career plans can pay dividends. Unless your plan involves moving on to another employer in the near future, it’s worth letting your manager know your goals. Here are three ways that it might pay off:
It Helps Your Boss Assign Projects that Can Help You Progress
Giving your boss an idea of where you want to take your career can help influence the type of work they give you. You may be included in projects that can help you gain skills and experience that you wouldn’t otherwise get. This may involve working with other departments, which can help you network as well.
It Helps Your Boss Identify Job Openings That Match Your Goals
When a company identifies an employee that excels in their job, they want to keep them around. By letting your boss know your long-term plans, they can keep an eye out for openings in the company that match your career path. This puts you in line for promotions and beneficial lateral moves.
It Helps Your Boss Know How to Keep You Happy
Managers want to keep their employees happy, but they may not always be able to meet a specific goal such as a large raise or a particular promotion. However, when you share all of your goals for salary growth or career development, it can open up additional ways that your boss can keep you happy and motivated. If they can’t make a promotion happen right now, maybe they can get you a bonus, or if money is tight, maybe they can advance you into a role that will position you for the growth you want.
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