How Do I Approach My Boss About Taking on More Tasks for a Promotion?

 

Dear Serafina,

I really want to get promoted at work. I've been thinking of doing some extra work in order to prove myself in other areas beyond my department. For example, I can help with sales analysis or marketing projects. I want to prove that I can handle more responsibility.

How do I approach talking to my boss about this? How do I make sure that my efforts are noticed?

Thanks,

Alice

 

 

Dear Alice,

I simply adore what you're doing! Wanting to do more than the norm and showing your value outside of your department is an excellent way to position yourself for growth. You're clearly looking to your future, and that's the key to moving forward. Taking on additional work like sales analysis or marketing is the type of behavior that shows you're proactive, adaptable, and willing to do more.

Now, the key here is to not just offer to volunteer your support—it's to become indispensable. Don't shyly make a heartfelt offer to support or help; make sure you do it with strategy. Show them how your set of skills can meet their demands. You could, for example, walk them through current sales patterns and present solutions or ideas that can improve it. This is more than "helping," it's you taking responsibility and demonstrating that you have the vision to push things to the next level.

When you talk to your boss, frame it in a way that makes you come across as both an asset to the company and as a person who wants to expand their own skill set. Make sure you show that you are not looking to climb the corporate ladder just for the sake of climbing it, but that you are genuinely interested in the success of the company as well as in your own professional growth.

But let's get real with you here: don't expect a big ol' pat on the back right away. Your boss will more than likely just nod and tell you "thank you," and although it's great they're taking your offer, don't expect it to get the recognition you're looking for. Better yet, they might take your ideas, execute them, and get the praise for your hard work. And once they start reaping the rewards of your thoughts, they'll just ask for more and more from you—all without offering you anything more in return.

Just expect a mixed reaction, then. The thing is, your boss's biggest priority is protecting their own turf. Don't be disappointed if you don't get credit right away—keep your cool, continue to add value, but always mind your own interests as well.

You've got this, Alice

Keep your eyes on the prize!

Thank you,

Serafina

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