What do you do if your boss is hindering your career growth?

Realize that you are CEO of you and responsible for your own career. Feedback is a gift and communication is key. Find the root cause of the hinderance. Schedule a meeting with your boss to talk through your current role, progress, and quantifiable results tied to strategic goals. If you're not doing what you want to be doing, what possibilities exist to do more of it? Is the hinderance a skill, limiting beliefs, perception, or culture? Be real with yourself and then take action. Create a plan for how to accomplish what it is that you feel your boss is holding you back from and then work the plan. Moving forward will empower you to do more to engage, upskill, network, and find problems that allow you to put your skills to work.

If you are in fact CERTAIN that your boss is hindering your career growth, ?????? ???????? ????????! Period! The process of learning this unfortunate circumstance can be slow... filled with insecurities... often giving people the benefit of the doubt... and it can certainly take a while for this to come into light. But... once you learn this it is time to move on. Staying there longer than absolutely necessary is acceptance... it's on you! ???????? ???????? ????????!

Before jumping to any conclusions, do a deep dive into why you think your boss is hindering your growth. Is it really your boss? What makes you feel like it is your boss? Take some time to reflect on your own goals and whether your current position actually aligns with those goals. How are you performing? Are you performing at your very best, or is there room for improvement? It is also ok to ask for feedback from others that you truly trust, like colleagues, mentors, or other supervisors. Bottom line, trust your instincts and intuition and figure out the best way to address the issue.

Communication can solve a lot of issues. Period. Instead of jumping to conclusions or straight up quitting your job, maybe you should start a conversation. And before you bust into your supervisor's office to chat, I recommend scheduling a meeting. During the meeting, express your concerns about your career growth and development. Try bringing in specific examples of why you feel this way. Describe the specific behaviors or actions that you believe are hindering your career growth and explain how they are impacting you personally and professionally. And don't forget to listen to what they have to say too.

Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss your career aspirations and concerns. Be respectful but honest about how you feel your growth is being impeded and provide specific examples if possible.

If your boss is not supportive, seek mentorship from other leaders or colleagues within the organization who can provide guidance and support in navigating your career path.

Steps for finding career mentors: 1) Self awareness is key, so make a list of why you need a mentor. Is it a career pivot, new internal or external opportunities, navigating corporate etiquette, building a strategy? These questions will help you understand the type of mentor you need. 2) Based on step 1, that’s when you tap into your network. Leverage LinkedIn to identify mutual connections both internal and external. 3) Develop an elevator pitch that is not to lengthy (1 paragraph max) that exhibits why you want to connect and the value exchange you can have for each other. Copy/edit/paste to relevant potential mentors. 4) Don’t take it personal if people don’t have capacity or don’t respond. Make note, and move on to the next one!

Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. If you have already communicated your frustrations with your boss, but no real change has been made. Well, then maybe it is time to pursue a bit of professional development on your won't time to enhance your skills. Proactively look for opportunities to learn and grow outside of your current role. This could include attending workshops, seminars, or conferences, enrolling in online courses or certifications, or joining professional organizations related to your field. Volunteer for projects or assignments that allow you to stretch your skills and take on new responsibilities.

Engaging in new projects, further education, or obtaining relevant certifications can significantly elevate your professional profile. This continuous improvement not only makes you more attractive to potential employers or leaders within your field but also enriches your resume with tangible evidence of your commitment to career growth. Ultimately, a robust skill set acts as a buffer against challenges, including those stemming from current supervisory relationships, and paves the way for future opportunities.

If your boss is stunting your career growth, it might be time to find a new boss. Or become your own. First, decide what your true career goals and values are. Where do you want to be 6 months from now? 2 years? 5 years? Begin working backwards. Is the job you’re in now helping you reach these goals? Next, give yourself enough time to start making a career change. It usually doesn’t happen overnight. Begin connecting and networking with the right people; update and optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile; and start reaching out to the right people at your target companies.

There is no downside to a "passive" job search strategy. By this I mean you have an updated resume and LinkedIn profile. It may also include contributing to appropriate content on LinkedIn, either by posting or commenting. Alerting recruiters that you are open to opportunities can also be an effective strategy. Next, activate your network. Get in touch with former coworkers, peers and managers. Catch up on what they have been up to. Find out if there is anything interesting going on at their workplace or if they know of opportunities that may be appropriate for you. The point is, take action. Take control of your career.

When you hit a professional plateau, feeling unfulfilled or held back, it's a clear sign: time for change. Know your worth! Maybe you've outgrown the need for a boss altogether, or perhaps it's about finding one who fuels your career evolution.

I experience this many years ago in my career! I was angry, felt undervalued and unappreciated. I had reached the end of the waiting game; reached out to a couple people in my network and updated my resume. Soon enough, I landed a meeting with a company. I researched the company, the expected role, the person I was goung to meet and salary range for the position. I was confident because I took the to prepare; I was able to have a professional conversation that landed me the job. I went on the work with the new company for 6 years in a middle management role that challenged my skillset. When you are prepared to leave your comfort zone, you will find opportunities!

By updating your resume with relevant achievements and skills, you ensure that you're presenting yourself as the best candidate for your next opportunity. Departing from your current role professionally and amicably preserves valuable relationships and maintains your reputation in a closely connected industry. Implementing a thoughtful exit strategy not only facilitates a smoother transition but also sets a solid foundation for future career growth.

Invest in continuous learning and skill development to strengthen your capabilities and remain competitive in your field. Identify areas for improvement based on feedback from your boss or performance evaluations, and proactively seek out opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Pursue relevant training, certifications, or professional development programs that align with your career goals and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.

You should also consider; - Document Your Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments, contributions, and successes to demonstrate your value and track your progress over time. - Network and Build Relationships: Cultivate relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to expand your professional network and uncover potential opportunities for career advancement. - Maintain a Positive Mindset: Stay resilient and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges, setbacks, or adversity. Focus on your strengths, remain adaptable, and approach obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning.