You don’t hate your job necessarily, but you’re bored. Your day-to-day responsibilities have become second nature, and you no longer feel like you’re being challenged. You need to take on an outside project if it’s for the good of the company. Here’s what you need to know.
Make a Convincing Case
Make the connection for your boss to how this project aligns with team goals
- How it’ll make you a more valuable employee
- Write out in a plan
- Can you get anybody else to advocate for you?
- The team member you’re looking to work with or another supervisor within your team can back up your claims
Make the Most of Your Current Situation
Are there other options within your own team that give you a stretch assignment of some kind to help in your development?
- Have these career development conversations with your boss early on when you’re just starting out at a new job.
- Make it clear to your boss where you’re looking to go and how they might help you in getting there.
Approach Your Boss
Showcase how the project will benefit the boss and how it will make things better for them.
- If you can show it’ll be good for them, you’re more likely to get their stamp of approval
- Send an email to start
- Finalize your presentation and prepare to walk your boss through your thought process
- Address any concerns they may have
Understand That You Might Get a No (for Now)
There’s no guarantee your manager will say yes, even if you did all your homework and presented a solid case.
- How you respond to a no says wonders about who you are as an employee, and staying positive may convince your boss to reconsider your request.
