According to research, 60% of employees feel as though they can’t approach their boss about an issue at work.
Whether you’re hoping for a raise or you’re looking to point out troubling trends in the workplace, there may come a time when you need to schedule a meeting with your boss. So how do you make sure it’s a successful meeting?
Keep reading as we provide some helpful advice on planning a fruitful meeting!
Come in With an Objective
Before you approach your boss, ask yourself what you hope to accomplish through the meeting. After all, your boss or manager is busy and may not have a ton of extra time and it’s pertinent that you respect their schedule.
Knowing your objective can also help you map out your talking points, which we’ll discuss in detail in a little bit.
In the meantime, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do you want to accomplish?
- How do you plan to accomplish your goals?
- What, specifically can your boss do to help you?
- Are your goals best-suited for a meeting, or would an email suffice?
The more you plan, the more confident you’ll feel.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Think about how you like to be approached. When you’re having a rough day or you’re in the middle of something important, odds are you want to stay focused.
Most people are the same way. You’ll need to keep this in mind as you begin planning your one-on-one meeting.
Give your boss plenty of heads-up so they can plan their day around the meeting. Likewise, make sure you’re choosing a quiet location where you don’t have to worry about your coworkers interrupting.
If your office has a meeting room system, include an invitation in your initial email. And if you don’t yet have a meeting room system, click this link to learn more about why they’re so important.
Think About What You Want to Say
You’ve approached your boss or manager about the meeting, and now you’re on their schedule! That’s great!
But before you get too comfortable, it’d be wise to jot down some talking points you’d like to cover during your meeting. This is a great time to refer back to the questions from our first section.
Specifically, focus on the how and why of your goal. Let your boss know what, if anything, you need from them to achieve what you’re after.
You don’t need a script, by any means, but planning your major ideas can help keep your meeting brief.
Follow Up
Once the meeting concludes, you’re not quite finished. Head back to your office and draft up a thank you email, letting your boss know how appreciative you are for their time and attention.
This is proper business etiquette and shows that you’re a considerate employee.
Have a Successful Meeting and Wow Your Boss With These Tips
Asking your boss for their time can be intimidating. But you are your biggest advocate.
Follow these tips and you should have no issues pulling off a successful meeting!
And if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget that we have tons of additional content for you to check out. Make sure to visit our blog for fresh content.
