| - |
How to manage your
professional advancement?
What if your immediate boss creates barriers for you?
|
|
Anna, a mid-level executive at a lubricants manufacturer asks, "Is it okay to talk to other
managers about being considered for a particular job, rather than your own
manager, who does not want to see you advance?"
I would suggest that you talk to someone who you can trust completely. What if this person went to your manager and mentioned the conversation? If you don't have such a person yet, you must find a "mentor" first and then have this conversation.
A senior level executive in the office is excellent. And in most cases, all you have to do is to ask. It is a big boost to the ego of these senior folks. Plus, pick someone who is not directly related to your
group/org structure. Many companies have formal mentorship programs and if your firm doesn't, you might want to take the initiative yourself and get someone on an informal basis.
According to basic ethics of a mentor-mentee relationship, conversations with mentors are typically confidential unless you breach any laws or company policies.
Another thing to remember is that you should keep these conversations positive. So instead of approaching this issue as "My boss does not want me to advance," you might want to look at it as "What do I need to do so that I can advance in this company?" That way even if that conversation does reach your boss, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
And finally, if you realize that your boss is truly against your advancement, you might want to consider moving to another organization. |
|
Questions,
comments, feedback, and suggestions
|
- |
