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 Raise Question: I've had two bosses leave the company within a year and a half. My new boss will be starting this week. I want a promotion and was advised by the General Manager of my department that I should address this with the new boss. After working for the company for over 2 1/2 years, how can I ask a boss for a promotion when she doesn't know me and is unfamiliar with my work Pamala Answer: For just the reason you think it might be difficult, this could be the perfect time to get that promotion you desire. As the boss is new and unfamiliar with the organization, you can, immediately, present yourself as a company asset and a key player who's ready to step up to greater responsibilities. Start by preparing a detailed job promotion plan. Include a thorough description of the position you were originally hired to do, the job you actually do (if it reflects additional responsibilities) and a presentation of the position you are proposing for yourself. Include an on-the-job history that will - at a glance - demonstrate your upward mobility and increasing value to the organization. Detail your accomplishments, any new levels of learning and a clear rationale for the proposed promotion along with any reviews that would be germane. As background, be sure to include your resume. Once you have these documents in place, ask your new boss to schedule some time on her calendar regarding an update of your position. Have very clear in your mind that the objective of the meeting is to familiarize your new boss with your work status and value, impressing her with your organizational abilities, focus and professional attitudes and approach. Offer your plan as an ideal next step but do not present it as, in any, an ultimatum if your boss is unwilling or unable to immediately comply with your request. If she straight away agrees with your proposal, terrific. But, be equally prepared - on a positive note - for that to not happen. If she doesn't feel ready to make the commitment to you because she's too unfamiliar, ask her to put you on an accelerated course towards determining the outcome of your request. Ask what you need to do - and in what time frame - to accomplish further consideration for your promotion. In other words, don't leave things open-ended and entirely in her power. Take care of your future by being clear that it is your intention to prove yourself to her - as you have to your past two bosses - and achieve your desired outcome based on proof that you deserve the promotion. Your presentation, your self-confidence and your direct aim at the goal you've set should be sufficient to prove your seriousness and gain the respect, attention and outcome this matter deserves. 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.