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Carla T.

Talking About Advancement: A Guide to Initiating a Productive Dialogue with Your Manager

Updated: Dec 26, 2023

Question from Derek

I feel stuck in my current role and want to discuss career advancement with my manager. What's the best way to initiate this conversation and express my aspirations without seeming pushy?


Expert Response


Dear Derek,


Feeling stuck in your current role is a common experience, and it's commendable that you're proactively seeking career advancement. Initiating a conversation with your manager about your aspirations requires finesse and a strategic approach. Here's a guide to help you navigate this dialogue effectively:


  • Choose the Right Time: Timing is crucial. Choose a time when your manager is not overwhelmed with immediate deadlines or pressing issues. Request a one-on-one meeting to ensure you have their undivided attention.

  • Prepare Your Talking Points: Outline the key points you want to address during the conversation. Clearly articulate your achievements in your current role, your dedication to the team, and your enthusiasm for contributing at a higher level. Make a list of specific examples that highlight your skills and accomplishments.

  • Express Gratitude: Begin the conversation by expressing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you've had in your current role. Acknowledge the support and mentorship you've received, emphasizing that you value your current position.

  • Frame It as a Development Conversation: Approach the discussion as a development conversation rather than a demand for a promotion. Express your commitment to your professional growth and development within the organization. Use language like, "I'm eager to explore opportunities for growth and contribute even more to the team."

  • Highlight Your Skills and Contributions: Showcase your skills and contributions to the team. Provide specific examples of projects where you've excelled, and quantify your impact whenever possible. This will help your manager see the tangible value you bring to the organization.

  • Demonstrate Awareness of Company Goals: Align your career aspirations with the company's goals. Demonstrate that your desire for career advancement is rooted in your commitment to contributing to the organization's success. This alignment emphasizes your dedication to the company's mission.

  • Express a Willingness to Learn: Emphasize your eagerness to learn and take on new challenges. Highlight any steps you've taken to acquire new skills or knowledge relevant to the potential advanced role. This conveys your proactive approach to personal and professional development.

  • Ask for Guidance: Seek your manager's guidance on potential paths for career advancement within the organization. This not only shows respect for their insight but also positions you as someone who values collaboration and teamwork.

  • Be Open to Feedback: Acknowledge that you are open to feedback and constructive criticism. This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth. Ask for insights on areas where you can improve to better position yourself for advancement.

  • End on a Positive Note: Conclude the conversation on a positive and forward-looking note. Reiterate your commitment to the team and the organization's success. Express appreciation for your manager's time and insights, and indicate your enthusiasm for future opportunities.


Remember, approaching this conversation with professionalism and a focus on collaboration will help you convey your aspirations without coming across as pushy. By framing it as a developmental discussion and aligning your goals with the company's objectives, you position yourself as a valuable asset to the organization.

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