POWER READ
This is a very important question: it will keep you from wandering aimlessly in your role and give you a target to build on in order to advance in the organization and develop as a professional.
Remember that your manager is providing feedback to arm you (NOT to harm you). Learn to not take constructive criticism as an attack. If you sense a breach in communication with your manager, ask for a tactful way to confront it.
Temper your expectations and be careful not to receive feedback as an attack. Be sure to take notes to indicate interest as well as a desire to implement the information that your manager is sharing with you.
This will show that you care about the big picture impact of your role on the company. Organizations and leaders love to see mission-minded professionals. It shows that you’re thinking about the company’s goals deeply, beyond just your immediate scope.
Your manager should know that you’re a team player, someone who wants to see the team win. This will set you up for leadership positions in the future.
This allows you to learn on the job, stretch yourself beyond your role, and perhaps even close some skills gaps while you’re at it!
If you have big ideas, offering to share them with the team showcases initiative and ownership, which will no doubt impress your manager, but also sets you up for future advancement opportunities.
Remember that you don’t want to lead with this question, get a feel for your manager and their communication style. Communicate your interest in their team and the mini-mission at hand prior to broaching this topic, but be fearless when you sense the green light.
This will demonstrate a desire for growth, but be careful with leading with this in the earliest stages of a job assignment. I would say four months is a good window, past which you can begin to have these conversations.
This question can be asked to senior team members or managers, but it shows that you want to deliver on your goals and KPIs. Listen for details and also ask if there are any resources for mental health, wellness and resilience as these are key to helping you thrive in your career journey.
Sign up for our newsletter and get useful change strategies sent straight to your inbox.