How to Ask Your Manager For Promotion, Hike, Transfer, etc: 10 Tips You Must Follow

Today, we’ll talk about a topic that is very personal and close to the heart. Imagine you're at work, and you want to discuss something significant like getting that transfer, a new role, or even talking about your salary. These are personal agendas that matter a lot to you. Now, when you take these matters to your supervisor, leader, or manager, do you go prepared, or do you just have some basic points in mind and then deliver them in the meeting?

In this article, I will share the step-by-step process for preparing and handling such meetings so that you will get a positive outcome. These steps will ensure that you leave no doors of doubt open!

The Importance of Preparation

Before I talk about the 10 essential steps for preparing for key meetings, let me share a quick story.

There was a person in my mentorship program who was looking for a role change. He set up a meeting with his manager while working with me in the mentorship program. Together, we created these 10 points around preparation for his meeting. When he practised and prepared thoroughly, the results were astounding. 

He was able to clearly express his points and came out of the meeting satisfied with the outcome. While his request wasn't immediately granted, the meeting went positively, and eventually, his objective was achieved. This article is inspired by that incident, showing how preparation can help you nail your points in important meetings.

10 Steps You Must Follow To Get What You Need From Meeting With Your Manager 

Now, let's understand the 10 things you should keep in mind to prepare for these crucial meetings.

1. Understand Who You Are Meeting With

Who are you meeting with? Are you meeting with your boss or someone else? Audience analysis is extremely important because it determines the pitch you will use in the meeting. Knowing your audience helps you tailor your approach, making it more effective.

2. Define the Purpose of the Meeting

Why are you meeting? Whether it's to discuss a promotion, a salary hike, a transfer, or any other personal matter, clearly write down your objective and internalise it. This clarity will keep you focused during the meeting.

3. Identify Key Objectives

What are the two or three objectives you want to achieve in this meeting? Clearly articulate these in your notes. This will help you stay on course during the meeting and ensure that you don’t get sidetracked.

4. Know the Time Available

How much time do you have? Whether it’s an hour, 40 minutes, or just 10 minutes, the time available will dictate how you deliver your message. Your approach will differ in a one-hour meeting compared to a 30-minute or even a 30-second conversation.

5. Understand the Meeting Format

Is it a panel, virtual, or in-person meeting? The format of the meeting is crucial. If it’s a panel, you should know how many people will be there and whether you need to make an extra effort to understand their perspectives before the meeting. For virtual meetings, ensure you’re connected to a stable power source to avoid interruptions.

6. Plan Your Opening

How do you plan to start the conversation? Think about what you’re going to say first. It’s like your elevator pitch—rehearse it, and if possible, practice with a friend to preempt how the conversation might go.

7. Articulate Your Proposition

How will you present your proposition? Whether you’re asking for a promotion or a new role, think about the arguments you will use to support your case. Prepare, rehearse, and ensure your arguments come naturally during the meeting.

8. Prepare Data Points

Are you carrying any data points? If you plan to use data, make sure it’s accurate, up-to-date, and reflects the most current status. Using outdated data can harm your credibility and lead to a loss of integrity.

9. Identify Key Takeaways

What are the two or three takeaways you want from this meeting? Clearly define your key asks and ensure that they are communicated effectively during the meeting. Avoid diluting your message by being unfocused.

10. Focus on Must-Haves

What are the must-haves without which this meeting will be unsuccessful? List one or two specific outcomes you most certainly need from the meeting. This focus will help you stay on track and ensure that the meeting is productive.

Conclusion

Remember, most decisions won’t be made in a single meeting. You might need to attend two or three meetings, depending on your organization and the people involved. However, if you are well-prepared and follow these 10 steps, you will put your best foot forward and be ready for future meetings. You might even achieve a favourable outcome in the first meeting itself!

Prepare well and take these 10 points to heart when preparing for important meetings. I’m sure you’ll find these tips useful.

About Author 

Satyajit Senapati is a best-selling Author, TEDx & Public Speaker, and Mentor. He has 2 decades of management consulting and corporate strategy experience in leading organizations such as Deloitte, KPMG, Jio, Novartis, etc. He holds an MBA from IIM Lucknow. For more information, explore 

Website: www.satyajitsenapati.com 

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