Author's Note: Fridays will be free Q&A with the Career Coach! Got a question? Email us at careerhotline@traversesolutions.com
Q: I recently received a promotion. Instead of supporting clients on the back-end I am now much more hands on: marketing to new clients and making presentations, pitching new business and managing my own accounts. I retain none of my former duties of support...and I now need that support to help me become successful in my new job. I never had any problems doing my own support work before my promotion, but now I really could use the additional help (creating presentation books, updating quarterly marketing materials, etc.). Needless to say, I am having difficulty getting much assistance thus far. My question is, how do I get my boss to sign off on getting me the support I need to assist me with my clients? - Account Executive, Financial Services Firm, NJ
A: First, congratulations on your promotion! From your description it sounds like you are transitioning to a position with greater visibility and the opportunity to make a direct impact on your client's success. Not surprisingly, this transition has it's challenges. One that strikes me is the need to alter how others perceive you since it sounds like you have shed most if not all of your administrative duties and you are now managing and delivering client needs much differently.
One suggestion is to meet with your boss and review/discuss how things have been going in your new position so far. While many of us expect that our managers will do this for us (i.e. check in to see how things are going, talk about what we need to succeed, review our progress), managing your career means being proactive and taking action. During your meeting you might herald several results or particular accomplishments in your new position to demonstrate how you are contributing to the organization. Letting your boss know how you are doing instead of waiting to be asked will be valuable when you ask for things you want, like administrative support. This request for support would also be something to include in your conversation to let your boss know what you need to succeed and how you can best serve your clients. Depending on his response, it is a great idea to make sure there is a follow-up action or deadline instead of letting your request dangle. Make sure you check back with him on your discussion points or clarify ambiguity, such as, "we'll look into that".
Career satisfaction, both short and long-term, takes setting clear goals and taking decisive action. It also involves vocalizing what you want and need to succeed and stepping up to the plate and not waiting to be asked. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
-Ellen
