Eight hours a day, at least 40 hours a week, that adds up to 90,000 hours over a lifetime that you’re on the clock.
Everyone wants to level up in their jobs. Nearly 1 in 4 employees want more opportunities to grow their careers.
And over 55% of workers say they need more opportunities to develop their skills and improve their work.
So, who do you ask for advice on how to move up the ladder? The obvious answer: your boss.
But what are the questions you need to ask if you want to improve, and more importantly, advance in your career?
Here’s one, “Who was the best person you ever had in this job, and describe what they did that I’m not doing?”
Also ask, “What feedback do you think I’d be afraid to hear or wouldn’t accept?”
“People don’t want to tell you you’re doing a bad job. They much prefer to say you’re doing a good job,” said Artie Gately, a career and license mental health counselor.
Employers should know that 65% of employees want more feedback.
Another question to ask: “What skills do you need to see from me in the next three to six months for me to be considered for a promotion?”
In the U.S., 70% of companies globally are struggling to find skilled workers. So, make sure to ask your boss, “What are the three most important skills you would like me to develop in the next 12 to 24 months?”
“Show me where I can hit those blind spots,” explained Gately.
One more good question to ask your boss: “What would have made your career progression quicker or easier if you’d known it at the beginning of your career?”
Remember, an important factor is that you always need to be willing to work on what your boss has to say.