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5 Things To Ask Your Boss In The New Year

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You have control over your career, if you speak up and ask questions. Maybe you don’t know what to ask for or you’ve been holding off on asking for something because you did not know how to ask. Consider this your nudge. This is your push to ask for what you want in the New Year. Here are five things to consider asking for from your boss next year:

1.     Business goals.

If you do not understand why you are doing the work you are doing, it is difficult to understand the purpose of your work. When you work without purpose, you may lose your enthusiasm and the level of quality that is required to succeed.

Ask your manager, “What are this year’s goals for the organization?” “What are your upcoming priorities?” The answers to these questions will help you understand how your role plays a part in reaching your company’s goals and helps to ensure that your efforts continue to meet goals. When you meet or exceed your organization’s goals, you demonstrate value.

2.     Expectations.

You may think you know what is expected of you at work, but are you absolutely clear on expectations? To avoid confusion or misunderstanding, ask your manager what is expected of you. When you are clear about what people expect from you, you will increase your chances of meeting or exceeding expectations.

3.     Flexibility.

Would it benefit your health, family or projects to work from home one day a week or slightly shift your daily schedule to be able to arrive later and leave later? If you think some form of flexibility would help you be more productive with work, inquire about it. Communicate how the change will help you with your work. If you are already demonstrating solid work, it will be easier for you to ask for more flexibility.

4.     Money.

If you want a raise, ask for it. If you need more resources for a project, ask for it. Assuming you are producing quality work, ask for what you need to continue to be the best professional that you can be and produce great work.

5.     A promotion.

If you continue to prove your worth, consider asking your manager for a promotion. Don’t run the risk of not asking and build up resentment that may undermine your work product and impact your relationships with colleagues. 

Keep in mind that asking for a promotion, more money and flexibility in one year or a short time span might not be wise. You should ask for what you want, but don’t go overboard. Consider prioritizing what you want in the upcoming year. A successful career is built on years of experience and climbing the ladder. The higher you go on the ladder, the move opportunity you will have to ask for what you want.


Ask about business goals and expectations. Arm yourself with the information to show your worth to your organization. When you demonstrate your worth, you have the leverage to ask for things like flexibility, a raise or a promotion. Questions have answers. Ask the questions to know the answers and see the road that will help you reach your goals.


What will you ask your manager in the New Year? Share with me your stories and thoughts via Twitter or LinkedIn.

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