The key to personal growth and career success is not just sitting back and coasting through each day, it is through constantly pushing yourself to be better by navigating new challenges, learning from those around you and…you guessed it, taking on more responsibility!
Managers have a lot on their plate, and they may need a reminder to help you work on growing your skillset. Below are ten steps to help you ask your manager for more responsibility:
1. Assess your Current Workload:
When seeking more responsibility, first take a hard look at your current workload. Are you effectively managing your existing responsibilities and meeting (ideally exceeding) expectations? Demonstrating competence and reliability in your current set of initiatives is essential before making a case to take on additional responsibilities.
2. Understand your Manager's Priorities:
A manager’s priorities and goals are usually positioned more broadly at the team level. A best practice for requesting additional responsibility is to identify areas where you can align your goals with the team’s overall objectives and collective success.
3. Schedule a Meeting:
Your manager is not able to provide you with additional responsibility if they are not aware you are interested in taking on new challenges. If you do not already have a recurring one-on-one meeting with your manager, schedule one! This way you and your manager will have dedicated time for an open discussion about your role and trajectory.
4. Highlight your Achievements:
When sitting down with your manager, share your accomplishments and contributions since joining the team. Provide specific examples of how you completed your project work within deadlines, improved processes, and provided additional value.
5. Communicate your Intentions:
Be clear and straightforward about your intentions. Express your enthusiasm for your role within the team and your desire to take on more responsibility to contribute further to the team's success.
6. Express your willingness:
Convey your readiness and willingness to learn and grow. Emphasize your commitment to personal and professional development and how taking on more responsibility will be aligned with both your career goals as well as the goals of the team.
7. Offer Solutions:
Be proactive and present specific responsibilities and projects where you believe you could make a difference. By offering your own solutions and not putting the onus solely on your manager, it will help demonstrate your thoughtfulness and readiness to take on new challenges.
8. Seek Feedback:
Once you have made your case for asking for additional responsibility, ask your manager for feedback on your request, specifically inquiring if there were any concerns or reservations on their part. This open and collaborative dialogue will allow you to address issues or concerns constructively and together you and your manager will be able to identify the best path forward.
9. Be Patient and Respectful:
Recognize that your manager may need time to evaluate your request and determine the best way to plan and potentially reallocate responsibilities within the team. A change likely won’t happen overnight and it could be a gradual shift over time rather than a significant role change.
10. Continue to Excel:
Regardless of the outcome, continue to excel within your current responsibilities and maintain a strong work ethic. Reinforcing your consistent and reliable performance will eventually lead to future opportunities and success.
The journey of requesting more responsibility is a thoughtful and strategic process. By showcasing your value, aligning your goals with the team's objectives, and demonstrating your commitment to growth, you will be able to make a compelling case for additional responsibilities.