Questions Employees Should Ask Their Managers About Their Development

Think about where you would like to be, professionally, in the next few years.  Do you have the skills/abilities needed?  You should begin to increase your skills now, so that when new opportunities come along you will be ready.  An importat step in this process is having regular conversations with your manager.  Part of her/his responsibility as managers is to to assist staff members with their professional development.  Here are ideas and phrases to get the conversation started:

In the future, I would like to move into (department.position).  What are the skills I would need to make this change?

I'd like to strengthen my skills in(area/subject), how can I get more training in these areas?

I think I could learn from (person). Is there a way I could shadow/work with her/him for a time?

I'd like to gain more experience with (topic/technique/skill).  What types of trainings are available?

I really enjoy (task) and would like to exapand my responsibilities to include (new task). What skills do I need to take on this new task?

In my current position, I don't have a chance to use my (your ability). Are there other tasks in the department/branch/office that I could do that would let me show my abilities?

I found these classes/webinars in (area).  Can I participate in these trainings to strengthen my abilities in (skill)?  

You need to be involved in your own development, and see opportunities to improve your skills.  You can also contact SD&T with questions about opportunities and classes.