Introduction: What You’ll Learn
This simulation guides you through having a productive conversation about moving up in your career. You’ll learn how to effectively ask for clarity on the expectations and criteria for promotion, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what’s needed to reach your next career milestone. This approach balances assertiveness with openness to feedback and collaboration.
You’ll practice:
- Initiating the conversation with confidence
- Asking specific questions about promotion criteria
- Seeking feedback on your current performance
- Creating an actionable plan for advancement
Step-by-Step Simulation
Scene 1: Preparing for the Conversation
You: (Think about your recent achievements and jot down key questions beforehand.)
"I want to get a clear understanding of what it takes to move up. I’ll focus on asking about specific expectations, feedback on my current contributions, and actionable steps for improvement."
Scene 2: Opening the Discussion
You: "Hey [Manager's Name], thanks for meeting with me. I’ve been thinking about advancing to [Next Level] and was hoping you could share what skills or outcomes are expected for that role."
Manager: "Sure, I’m glad you’re interested in your growth. For a promotion to [Next Level], we usually look for proven leadership, significant impact on team goals, and a knack for solving tough problems. Where do you think you stand with these?"
Scene 3: Seeking Feedback and Clarification
You: "I’ve been leading the [Project Name] and feel like I’ve made a good impact there. Could you give me some feedback on my leadership and impact? Also, what kind of complex problems do you think I should tackle?"
Manager: "You’ve done a great job leading [Project Name], especially with cross-team communication. For complex problems, I’d like to see you take on challenges in [Specific Area]."
Scene 4: Creating an Actionable Plan
You: "Thanks for the feedback. Can we set some specific goals for the next quarter so I can make sure I’m on track?"
Manager: "Absolutely. Let’s set some key goals for the next few months. We can check in during our one-on-ones to see how you’re progressing. I’ll also introduce you to [Colleague/Resource] who can provide more insights into [Specific Area]."
Scene 5: Wrapping Up
You: "Thanks for the guidance, [Manager's Name]. I’ll put together a plan based on our conversation and send it your way for feedback. I’m looking forward to making progress."
Manager: "Great initiative — I’m here to help. Let’s keep this momentum going."
Mini Roleplay Challenges
Challenge 1: Your manager gives vague criteria for promotion.
- Best Response: “Could you give me some specific examples or metrics that define success at the next level?”
Challenge 2: The manager seems unsure about promotion pathways.
- Best Response: “Is there someone else in the organization I could talk to for more details on how to advance?”
Challenge 3: Feedback is mostly positive but lacks actionable advice.
- Best Response: “Thanks for the positive feedback. Could you suggest areas where I might push my skills further to prepare for promotion?”
Optional Curveball Mode
- Your manager is unexpectedly called away, cutting the meeting short.
- Another team member is unexpectedly promoted, creating urgency.
- Your manager suggests a different career path than you expected.
Practice handling these situations to stay focused on your career goals.
Reflection Checklist
Preparation
- Did I have specific questions ready?
- Did I review my current performance and achievements?
Conversation Flow
- Did I clearly articulate my career goals?
- Did I ask for specific examples and feedback?
Outcome
- Did I leave the conversation with actionable steps?
- Did I establish a follow-up plan with my manager?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preparing specific questions or examples
- Focusing too much on promotions without discussing performance
- Failing to ask for follow-up or additional resources
- Leaving the conversation without a clear plan or agreement