Career frustrations are common among professionals. Maybe you feel stuck in your career, not recognized or fulfilled. Or you want more challenges or growth opportunities.
Here is a little caveat: How do you express your career aspirations and goals to your manager without harming your relationship and in a way that will not impact your future professional life in the organization? Because of the above fear, many professionals I coached shy away from communicating their desires.
Assertive and clear communication is an art and not so easy. You need to be mindful, strategic, and sensitive when you want to let your manager know you are looking for a change or opportunities.
How to Express Your Career Frustration to Your Manager with Q&A
Here are 7 tips on expressing your thoughts in a productive and impactful way that sounds objective and authentic.
1. Recognize and understand your feelings and thoughts
I know, I always come to the one thing repeatedly. Analysing yourself. It starts with you and no one else. What are the exact emotions that cause that frustration? Overwhelmed or underutilized? No learning or growth opportunities? Do you want a short-term assignment or be involved in meaningful projects and initiatives?
Write them down and be clear about the reason. Then, rehearse your speech—literally, this is a speech.
Be clear about what steps you have taken so far to move ahead or change your career path. Have you been proactive? Did you search for opportunities? Are you fully present and engaged in the organization?
Answer honestly, as you need to be prepared for the conversation with your manager.
Articulate your successes, what steps you have taken so far, and what you were expecting in return.
For a positive outcome in any form and shape, you need to have your evidence combined with your thoughts and emotions ready.
2. Choose the right time and place
Timing is essential when it comes to sensitive topics. Your manager should not be stressed out, and the conversation should not be held publicly. If you have such processes, ask for a meeting and book a meeting room.
Choose a time when you will be fully present, without the pressure of before and after the next meetings.
First and foremost, you need to be mentally prepared.
3. The right mindset is crucial
Go into the meeting with an open mind, using language that does not accuse the counterpart. Use your perspective in a manner that sounds objective and not too emotional.
Such as: “I have noticed recently that I have not been presented with any opportunities.”
“I am eager to learn more and contribute to the latest project.”
Always with a positive tone and an “I” statement.
4. Active Listening
As much as you want to be heard, your manager also wants to be heard. Leave space for your manager. Let your counterpart speak out.
Communication is a two-way street. Listen to your manager’s perspective; they might present you with information and ideas you had not considered before.
That’s the beauty of starting and putting this conversation on the table.
5. Avoid making thread and ultimatums
Threads like “I will resign if….” etc. will not work. Bear in mind that everyone is replaceable. These threads will only damage your relationship, and it will be harder to continue working afterward as your manager will not change.
Unless you have made up your mind to leave anyway.
However, to stay in the company, be discreet and mindful.
6. Be patient
Changes might take time, even though your manager might have promised it. It is not in the manager’s power to promote you or give you opportunities. The organization might have various cycles when a change or a lengthy approval process is possible.
Be patient and always follow up on your aspirations. If you spot something yourself in the meantime, tell your manager and grab it. Managers cannot follow up on your career progression each day.
7. Move on
Sometimes, even after a long waiting period, the situation does not change. At least give the organization a 6 -12-month max to satisfy your professional needs.
If still, nothing changes, then it might be time to move on and look somewhere else.
After all, life is too short to live an unfulfilled professional life.
3 Questions & Answers
I captured some questions you might have about this topic:
Stay calm and redirect the conversation to be objective and results-oriented. Never mix your emotions. Breathe and repeat that the aim of this conversation is to improve the working relationship and meet your managers’ and organization’s goals.
If your concerns are dismissed, consider resuming the conversation. You might want to consult HR or a mentor. You might also want to consider other possibilities in different departments or companies.
Practice breathing, rehearse your speech, be factual, and focus on results and mutual agreement. Take time to respond.
Finally
Communicating your frustration and a sensitive matter like this is never easy. However, it is worth it to let your manager know. Being open and transparent will be in your favour, and you will be considered first if an opportunity arises.
Staying silent will not bring you anything other than continuing a life that becomes a burden.
Break Free from your hamster wheel, even in your organization.
I would be more than happy to talk with you if you are unsure about your future professional life.
Just Reach out.