Here's how you can set clear goals and expectations with your boss for career growth.

Excellent advice! I'd add incorporating SMART goals to your discussions. This approach makes your career objectives more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, enhancing productivity and focus.

Research is clear that establishing goals is an essential part of successful mentoring. While you may seek recommendations on goals from your boss, for best outcomes, you should choose your own goals and identify a specific time frame for your goal. For professional development goals, how can you be more effective in your job? What learning will help you meet your goal? Will you take a course? earn a certificate? learn a new skill? give a presentation? In an upcoming 1-1, ask your boss what goals helped their career development. Ask how your new knowledge can improve your job performance and support your team. Ask how the organization might benefit from your new skills. Best mentoring supports goals and can give them greater impact.

I would start by defining your "boss". Is your team-leader your boss? Is middle management your boss? Is the CEO your boss? Are the shareholders your boss? Is your landlord your boss? Like in computer games you must come up with a strategy to do battle with each boss.

It's important to reflect on your small and large achievements and when you receive positive feedback on a regular basis so that they are not forgotten and can he used for career growth and development. They also aid in potential promotions.

One thing I've found helpful is a monthly one on one meeting where I have supplied an agenda and we discuss points such as progress to date, current goals, ways to achieve future goals. It's important to prepare adequately so the time is utilised and it's worthwhile for both parties.

By recording the minutes of your meeting you ensure that the items discussed were recorded accurately and the ones that need action /follow-up are recorded too. It keeps both parties accountable and on the same page and helps you to see how faryou have progressed on reflection.

Success is not accidental it's the result of clear goals and relentless pursuit. Reflecting on my career journey, I've realized the importance of setting clear objectives with my General Manager. By initiating open discussions and clarifying my career aspirations, I've aligned my ambitions with organizational goals. Together, we've defined SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—that drive my professional development. This proactive approach not only enhances performance but also fosters a collaborative environment focused on mutual success.