You’re not sure how to approach your boss about a promotion. What are some ways to start the conversation?

To discuss a promotion with your boss, start by reflecting on your contributions and how they align with company goals. Schedule a formal meeting and express gratitude for your current role. Highlight your achievements, additional responsibilities, and readiness for more challenges. Ask for feedback on your performance, showing your commitment to growth. This approach demonstrates your value and willingness to contribute further to the company's success.

Before any conversation about a promotion or a raise, you need to come prepared. Don't just think of what you want, but think of what your boss NEEDS. How are you making their company better? How are you taking on more than what you were in the past? List all the arguments FOR but prepare for all the arguments AGAINST. Make sure you are frame your promotion from your bosses point of view instead of your own.

Knowing your worth is sometimes ambiguous, I say make your worth. You can expect someone to value you unless you add some value to their lives, in this case, your organization. You need to constantly add values to the company's culture because in the corporate sector, every company is looking to grow and expand their business. Human resource is the key in this journey and if you are valued member, everyone will appreciate you.

Prepare a list of your achievements and how they've impacted the company. Schedule a formal meeting with your boss, express appreciation for your current role, and then discuss your desire for growth, backed by your contributions. Seek feedback on your performance, showing your commitment to development. Emphasize how your skills can further contribute to the company's success in a higher role.

Be aware of the context your business is going through. The timing may be right for you, but if it's not right for the company, you will face a negative answer. Prepare to have to wait for a better moment and ask yourself what it would mean for you to be told you won't get a promotion. Will you stay on? Is the status quo bearable? Will you chose to leave? Be ready to give a time frame that will allow your bosses the flexibility to act on your request without feeling they have no choice in the matter.

Be clear and specific, but allow for some adjustment. Be open to suggestions and feedback. Do not give ultimatums, do not threaten. Any raise or promotion remains a negociation. State your needs and expectations, present your reasons and hear your bosses out. Be prepared to adjust and offer a pathway to an agreement where everyone wins.

Remember to offer a win win proposition. Not the right moment? Let's sit down again in a few weeks. Follow up and follow through. Be ready to move on if the situation does not progress the way you want. Do not enter a negociation without first thinking through every positive or negative outcome. And don't forget to thank your superior for their time and willingness to hear you out whatever the outcome.