Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Asking for a Job Change Question: How do you tell your boss that you want another position at work without loosing your job? Jennifer Answer: There is a natural desire in the workplace for advancement so your aspiration to take another position inside your organization is not unusual. In fact, it is a compliment to the company that you want to grow and flourish inside rather than looking to the outside for advancement. Naturally, any such request must be handled professionally and diplomatically. Plan your strategy by determining what your company's policy is on transfers, lateral or otherwise. Then start mapping out your approach - what new position you are after, how you are well-qualified for it, how it will also benefit the company to allow you to make this move. Ask your supervisor for a brief meeting and be prepared with facts and preferences. Avoid any risk of offending as you make your presentation. e.g. do not simply state that you are bored with your current job, just don't want to do 'this' anymore. Instead, state to your supervisor that you believe you have demonstrated (hopefully, with good reviews) that you have mastered your current position and would very much appreciate his/her help and support in making a move to the next level of challenge. That you are ready and interested in expanding your capabilities and responsibilities in order to learn new skills, become an even greater asset to the company by contributing to another aspect of their business. This is a very positive, proactive position to take. If your strategy doesn't at first work, ask for your supervisor's assistance in grooming you for the next position. Request a commitment to promotion if you prove yourself. Clearly determine what it will take to do so you can focus on this new goal. Leave the meeting on a polite, optimistic note with an understanding that you will be looking for your supervisors directions and support in helping you advance in your company. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.