How to Request More Responsibilities from Your Boss
Whether you’re looking for a raise, promotion, or title change, or you’re actively looking for chances to upskill, asking your supervisor for greater work duties may be difficult.
Balancing extra responsibility while managing your current workload may be difficult; thus, it is critical to prepare ahead when asking for new job duties. Here are some pointers on how to do so while still reaching a balanced result.
Make a list of the duties you wish to take on.
First, decide which abilities you want to improve or which areas you want to get more expertise in. You may then invest in initiatives that will help you achieve your objectives. If you’re looking for a new job, look at the skills and responsibilities of your coworkers in such positions to see where you should put your efforts. If you’re seeking a raise, you’ll need to find areas where you can offer value to the organisation in order to justify a rise in income. Concentrate on initiatives or activities that will assist the company save time or enhance profits.
Look for ways to make a difference.
It’s critical to show how your additional initiatives will provide value. Examine your list of prospective additional tasks and weigh the advantages to the company. Choose those you feel will have the most effect in order to provide a compelling business case to your management. Set specific dates, targets, results, and key performance indicators (KPIs) while working on a project. If it is a continuing job, assess its influence on the firm over time. For example, if it is connected to productivity, you may enter an anticipated number of hours saved each month.
Equip yourself with new abilities.
It never hurts to learn new talents on the side to strengthen your case for taking on more complex jobs at work. Look for options for growth – online courses, books, and training modules – that you may take advantage of to prepare yourself for additional tasks. When the time comes, don’t forget to inform your manager about your newly gained talents.
Prepare a strategy and choices.
Prepare to answer questions about how you will manage your present workload and performance while taking on new tasks. One approach is to give a strategy outlining how you intend to free up time to handle the increased work – will you assign certain responsibilities to others? Or is it possible to boost productivity by simplifying processes?
Demonstrating such a strategy reassures your supervisor that extra responsibilities will not interfere with your present work. Be prepared, though, for some opposition. If this is the case, write down your concerns and follow up with potential solutions.
Choose your words and time carefully.
Timing may also play a significant influence in determining success. Some fantastic times to discuss a step up in responsibilities are at your mid-year or end-of-year review, during less hectic periods of the year, for example, before a company restructuring or workers departing the firm.
How you approach your supervisor may also have a major impact: rather than stating, “I want to acquire more experience” or “I need this for a promotion,” try to frame it as discussing ideas to enhance your department or removing some of the pressure off your manager’s shoulders.
Determine where assistance is required.
Your superiors may be overburdened and unaware of where more assistance is required within the organisation. Looking at other teams and departments might help you uncover the potential for additional responsibility. Branching out from your team may be a wonderful networking opportunity and can help you put your best foot forward for promotions if approached correctly.
Regardless of the result, asking for extra responsibility shows that you are proactive and eager to learn. Don’t be disheartened if you’re rejected; at the very least, you’ve begun the dialogue. If your boss is aware that you wish to take on additional responsibilities, they may seek out new projects or possibilities for you.