You're in a virtual team. How can you make sure your boss knows your professional development goals?

1 Identify your goals

The first step is to identify your own professional development goals. What are the skills, knowledge, and competencies that you want to develop or enhance in your current or future role? How do they align with your personal interests, values, and aspirations? How do they support the objectives and vision of your team and organization? Be specific and realistic about what you want to achieve and why. Write down your goals and review them periodically to track your progress and adjust them if needed.

2 Share your goals

The next step is to share your goals with your boss. This can be done in different ways, depending on the frequency and format of your communication. For example, you can include your goals in your regular updates, reports, or feedback sessions. You can also request a dedicated meeting or call to discuss your goals and expectations. The key is to be proactive and clear about what you want to communicate and how you want to receive support. Explain your goals, why they are important to you and the organization, and what kind of feedback, guidance, or resources you need from your boss.

3 Demonstrate your progress

The final step is to demonstrate your progress towards your goals. This means showing evidence of your learning, achievements, and improvement. For example, you can share your completed projects, certificates, or testimonials that showcase your skills and knowledge. You can also highlight the challenges you faced, the solutions you found, and the lessons you learned. The goal is to show your boss that you are taking initiative, delivering results, and adding value to the team and the organization.

4 Seek feedback

Another important aspect of communicating your professional development goals is to seek feedback from your boss. Feedback can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate your successes. Feedback can also help you build trust, rapport, and mutual understanding with your boss. To seek feedback effectively, you need to be open-minded, respectful, and appreciative. Ask specific and constructive questions, listen actively, and thank your boss for their input. Use the feedback to adjust your goals and actions accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?