You think you could do your job better… if you had more experience. But unfortunately, your organization doesn’t consider professional development a top priority. Nevertheless, if you’re determined to advance, use these strategies to ask your boss for more hands-on training.
Familiarize Yourself with Company Policy
Your organization may have a professional development policy in place, even if they haven’t widely advertised it. Therefore, before you bother your boss, flip through the employee handbook or check in with your HR department. Try to find the answers to basic questions such as: What types of training are allowed? How much money is available? And what’s the process for requesting funds? Knowing the rules makes you look on top of your game, and, as a result, your boss will be more likely to invest in you.
Lay Out a Plan
Once you’ve figured out your company’s policy, develop a plan to fit within those guidelines. Start by researching what’s possible. A conference? A class at a local college or technical school? Or on-the-job training? Then, sort out the specifics. How much will this cost? How long will it take? Will you miss work? When you present a detailed outline, your boss will know exactly what’s involved. Whereas a vague request that could turn out to be unexpectedly expensive and time-consuming.
Emphasize Return on Investment
Of course, you’ll want to sell the benefits of your hands-on training to the overall organization too. Specifically, show how your professional development would be a wise use of company funds. Maybe you could take over a task that is currently outsourced? Maybe you could share your knowledge with your co-workers? Or maybe your increased skill set would make you more valuable? Attempt to give both details and examples, so your boss can truly see how this would help the business’s bottom line.
Be Flexible
Keep in mind, despite your best efforts, your boss still may say “No.” Instead of slinking away defeated, be ready to propose an alternative. For example, could you complete on-the-job training off the clock? Or, since this is the busy season, could you postpone it for a few months? You may not get exactly what you want, but something is better than nothing.
Say Thank You
Whether your plan is accepted or rejected, be sure to say Thank You. Either thank for your approval, or thank you for taking the time to listen to my ideas. Expressing your gratitude shows you are a positive and dedicated employee. And you never know, your upbeat attitude may cause your boss to reconsider, or at least, be more open to your next proposal.
Are You Looking for a Position That Offers More Hands-On Training?
At FirstStaff, we understand a job should be an opportunity to grow, not a dead end. If you are a talented, hardworking employee who’s looking for a position where you can build your skillset, our recruiters can help. We place light industrial workers, office staff, and other professionals in Conway, Arkansas and beyond. Learn more about the advantages of job hunting with FirstStaff today!
