In this day and age, unemployment is a frightening possibility. Because of the uncertainty we are all living in at the moment, some may find it awkward when it comes to making certain requests in the workplace. Of course, a four-hour harbourside lunch and a car are a bit far fetched. But there are certain things you should never be afraid to ask for at your job. So, here are 6 Things to Ask for at Work. Indeed, these actions will enhance your professional development training opportunities and ultimately improve your career.
1. OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE YOUR SAY
If you’ve never asked for input on projects and you think you have something valuable to offer, ask for permission to speak up. This goes for projects you’re not directly involved with as well. Employee input can go a long way towards improving the overall success of a project. Additionally, after you’ve commented successfully on a few initiatives, it will be encouraged even more.
2. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Ask your manager for timely performance evaluations if you don’t already receive them. Also, affirm your commitment to meeting and exceeding company expectations. Additionally, mention that it’s going to be easier for you to achieve your goals if you receive regular feedback regarding how you measure up.
3. MORE RESPONSIBILITY
If you are doing a stellar job with your current workload, then go ahead and ask for more responsibilities. Basically, it’s exactly what your bosses and supervisors want you to do. In addition, it’s a great way to take pro-active steps to advance your career.
4. PROPER TOOLS TO COMPLETE YOUR JOB
If you don’t have everything you need to do your job competently, then say something. It’s important to realise, companies and managers have supply budgets to comply with. But shortages around the office do affect productivity. So politely mention it, but also be considerate of the company’s finances. In fact, your manager may not even know you don’t have what you need.
5. BETTER COMMUNICATION
Does your manager communicate clearly with you? If not, express your concerns. The fact is, most managers are busy. Also, they might not even know that your ability to perform is being hindered by their communication style. Of course, tact is key here. Restate to your manager the instructions you are given, just to be clear that you are both on the same page.
6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
We all want to learn and grow. When we improve our skills and expose ourselves to new ideas it makes us better at our jobs but also happier and more engaged at work. Some people are lucky to work for companies that encourage upskilling and devote time to invest in their team’s professional development training. But if you work for a company that doesn’t have an official professional development training policy, how can you make the case to your manager (as well as the necessary powers that be) to support you?
YOUR RIGHT TO LEARN AND GROW
Work out how you want to learn and grow. If you don’t yet have a clear picture of what you want to develop, spend time examining your strengths and weaknesses.
- Do you want to build your emotional intelligence to be a more attuned business leader?
- Do you need to sharpen your communication skills?
- Would your team benefit from a DISC Understanding Human Behaviour training?
To get buy in from your manager, team, or company to support your professional development training, you have to connect what you will be learning to the business’s goals. So, ask:
- Are there issues at work that you could better resolve as a result of this training?
- In what ways will your company benefit from your improved performance, skills, or knowledge?
- What specific skills or knowledge can you share with your manager, team, and/or company from your training or experience?
- Spending the time to form a logical, careful request can be rewarding in itself because you’re getting clearer on what you need. And you’re contributing to, maybe even igniting, a corporate culture that supports individuals to learn and grow in ways beyond what’s traditionally done.
Here are some areas to get you started on your professional development.
- Art of Effective Communication
- Resilience | Professionally and Personally
- Creative Leadership Training
- Establishing Positive Employee Culture
- 3 Horizons Strategic Planning
- How to Have Crucial Conversations
- Humorous Leadership with Dividends
- DISC | Understanding Human Behaviour
Get your team on a Professional Development Workshop, call the HBB Group 1300 833 574 or email info@healthybusinessbuilder.com.au to discuss which tailored option is best for your business growth.
