Many times risk-adverse leaders and business professionals hate their jobs. They see the position of boss as a great opportunity to make more money and attain a coveted title. Yet they are unable or unwilling to develop the people and project skills required to be boss. They are afraid of stepping outside their comfort zone or have done so without success. Without learning from your mistakes and developing new sets of attitudes and behaviors, it can be difficult to get and keep these positions. It would be better to develop a career ladder within your company where you can increase your influence and paycheck, and be a leader without being the boss. It’s OK if you don’t have the interests or skills to be the boss!
(c)Jeannette L. Seibly, 2013
If your boss agrees to the meeting, go in there armed with an idea of how you’re going to frame the discussion. You’re in a learning mode. “I want to find opportunities to grow within the company, and would like to talk with you about how to make that happen.” Your boss may immediately try to deflect by saying, “There are no open spots right now.” That’s fine. This isn’t about right now. This is about how you can develop new skills so when there is an opening, you’re in the running.