When it comes to professional growth, having access to training can make a significant amount of difference. Plus, it can make you feel more engaged and capable on the job.
Many companies have begun investing heavily in employee training. In some cases, their goal is to improve retention by making themselves an employer of choice who invests in their teams. At times, their main mission is to close skill gaps, allowing them to reach higher levels of productivity.
Regardless of your employer’s motivations, getting access to those opportunities might not seem easy. You may have to be proactive and request a chance to take part, and that isn’t a simple conversation to navigate.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask your boss for more training. If you want to increase your odds of hearing a “yes,” here’s how you need to approach the discussion.
Determine the Value
You can’t ask your manager for training merely because it benefits you. Instead, you need to showcase the value you would bring after you enhance your capabilities. Often, this means doing a bit of research to highlight why it’s a wise investment.
Consider what problems you can solve for your employer as a result of receiving the training. Alternatively, explore how you can either reduce costs or bring in additional profit with the new knowledge. Your goal should be to design a win-win scenario where both you and the company benefit, focusing on the return on investment (ROI) for your employer. That way, you are creating a value proposition your boss won’t be able to ignore.
Be Flexible
If you want to increase the odds that your boss will say “yes,” be ready to present a few options. Don’t just get stuck on the idea of taking part in one kind of training. Instead, explore what’s available (ideally across several price points and with different timetables) and have a couple ready to discuss.
Also, ask your manager for their input. Find out what training they think would provide the team or company with value and see if it piques your interest. By being flexible, you’re making it easier to find a mutually beneficial option.
Have a Knowledge Transfer Plan
When you participate in training, you shouldn’t be the only one who benefits. If you can present your boss with a formal knowledge transfer plan that shows how you’ll share and disseminate what you learned to others, you are increasing the value of your participation. This may increase the chances that they’ll be willing to invest, as you will be giving others access to the information. Plus, you’ll be able to show exactly how you can make it happen, which keeps that task from falling on your manager’s plate.
Looking for a new job?
While the tips above can’t guarantee that your boss will allow you to take part in training, you might end up getting the answer you want by using those approaches. If you’d like to learn more about having challenging conversations with your manager, the staff at TRC can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our experienced team today and see how our expertise can benefit you.
