Your boss doesn't support your career goals. How can you still succeed?

For me, the first rule of working on a team is: "Make your boss happy." If the situation is that my boss is just not supporting my career goals actively, I can live with that. I will look for ways to make my boss happy while making time for activities that would get me closer to achieving my career goals. If however the situation would be that my boss is actively making it harder for me to pursue my career goals - I would start taking steps toward leaving for another team.

One of the most effective strategies right now is to choose your battles. Rather than arguing with your boss, you should focus on finding ways to work towards your career goals while still fulfilling your job responsibilities. Another helpful technique is to link your career goals with your boss's objectives. By identifying areas where your goals and your boss's objectives overlap, you can gain their support and work towards mutual success.

When I experienced this in a previous team, I made sure I was approaching leadership with a fully-baked vision and a plan for achieving it. I framed the vision in terms of the concrete ways I could bring even more value to the business. The first couple times, I thought perhaps I wasn't effectively tailoring the message to their wants and listening style. I watched their responses, gauged their level of understanding, and adjusted the next time. But, at a certain point, you need to decide if you trust that they are listening and responding in good faith. They are just human beings, after all. If you find you're getting supportive lip service, but little action, it's time to consider if it's worth remaining there.

I don't start out thinking that achieving MY career goals are related to what 'the boss' may think or support. We have family, friends and colleagues who are closer to us than our boss who can offer support. Your 'boss' wants to keep you, especially if you have aspirations for something bigger. They will push you to achieve when it works for them to be successful. Don't start out counting on your boss. If he supports you, great! If not, find those who will. Don't hang your success on the one person who could potentially lose you. Selfishness is real!

Finding a mentor can be a highly effective way of learning in various situations. A mentor can provide valuable insights, solutions, and tips based on your experiences. They may have gone through the same situation you are currently facing and can guide you on how to overcome it. Mentoring can also help you continually assess your progress toward your goals and identify areas where you may need to improve. Whether you are just starting or looking to take your skills to the next level, having a mentor can help you gain the knowledge, expertise, and confidence you need to succeed.

It's important to be open to different ways of learning and not limit yourself to just one method. Online courses and e-learning can be a convenient and time-efficient way to gain knowledge and skills. Building a network of professionals in your field can provide valuable support and keep you up-to-date with the latest developments. This is particularly important if you are striving to achieve your goals in that field.

Learning opportunities come in a variety of ways: online courses, books, articles, TED talks, and volunteering. One can develop and learn new skills from volunteering with an organization that aligns with your passion.

When your boss doesn't support your career goals or if he or she places roadblocks in your way, there are several strategies that I have found to be effective. Try to move to another department. If that doesn't work, it's time to brush off your resume and look for an opportunity with another organization. Boost your visibility and make contacts by volunteering for your professional association. Serve on the board, conference committee, or the committee that plans monthly meetings. . Speak at conferences. Write articles for industry publications. This establishes you as an expert increases your credibility whether you decide to stay with your current organization or look for opportunities elsewhere. Launch a consulting business.

I think one of the best options in this case is to understand growth is not an option where you are and change the “where” you are not the “who” you are. Understand where you want to go and don’t be afraid to share those aspirations.

The career goals we have, is our own. Never depend on anyone else to validate that. If for some reason you do not find support from your manager there are MANY ways you can achieve your goals. You don't really need your manager for that. Find supporters elsewhere. There always someone who sees your potential and cling to them. Reach out to those who are where you want to be and learn from them. Surround yourself with people that see your potential and will be rooting for you because positivity also matters. I spent years believing on what others said I could, and I could not do. One day decided to ignore these voices and go after what I wanted. Taking charge of my own career was a game changer.

Adding to the perspectives already shared here, as you expand your network to find folks who will support your vision, swing for the fences! Many enjoy helping, so don't be afraid to ask for it, even of folks who seem much higher on the career ladder than you. I've found a surprising number of successful folks are happy to give informational interviews.

First: assess if this is actually true, or have you reached this conclusion through assumption. Ask the question along the lines of - "I'd really like to get better at x, here's my development plan, and here's what I'd like you to support me through." Take the guesswork out of it. Your boss can only support you if they know what is it exactly that you need. To a great extent, your development is your own responsibility. If there's no clear follow through or action, your boss may be insecure, and it's time to draft an exit plan that works for you.

Your boss has their own goals, needs and pain points. Identify what’s important to them and why (e.g. “I need to look good at the next quarterly review”) and then consider how you can help them achieve that by taking on different responsibilities that move your further toward your own goals. If you can clearly communicate to your boss how they will personally benefit from your new career move, they will be more likely to consider it.