Here's how you can effectively communicate your career goals and aspirations to your superiors.

1 Know Yourself

Before approaching your superiors, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your own career goals. Reflect on what you truly want from your career in commercial leasing. Are you aiming for a senior leasing consultant position, or do you aspire to transition into property management? Understanding your end goal will help you communicate more effectively and allow your superiors to provide the right support. It's also important to assess your strengths and areas for improvement, as this self-awareness will enable you to discuss how your goals align with the company's needs.

2 Timing Matters

Choosing the right moment to discuss your career goals is just as important as the conversation itself. Aim for a time when your superiors are not swamped with pressing deadlines or during a performance review when discussing career progression is expected. This shows respect for their time and ensures they are more receptive to the conversation. In commercial leasing, it might also be strategic to align this discussion with the closing of a significant deal or the end of a successful quarter, as your accomplishments can serve as a springboard for the discussion.

3 Prepare Points

Preparation is key when you're ready to discuss your career goals. Create a list of talking points that highlight your achievements, contributions to successful leasing deals, and how they align with your aspirations. This will not only show that you are serious about your career development but also that you have thought about how your goals can contribute to the company's success. Be ready to discuss specific skills you want to develop or roles you aim to take on. Your ability to present a well-thought-out plan will likely impress and engage your superiors.

4 Positive Approach

When you initiate the conversation, maintain a positive and professional tone. Frame your aspirations in a way that emphasizes your commitment to the company's success and your desire to contribute more significantly. Avoid making demands or expressing dissatisfaction with your current role; instead, focus on your eagerness to grow and take on new challenges within the realm of commercial leasing. This positive approach can make your superiors more inclined to support your career development.

5 Listen Actively

Active listening is crucial during this conversation. Pay attention to the feedback and advice your superiors offer. They may have insights into the commercial leasing industry or company-specific pathways that you haven't considered. By listening attentively, you show respect for their experience and demonstrate that you value their guidance. This can also help you refine your goals based on their suggestions, making them more achievable within the context of the company.

6 Follow Up

After the initial conversation, it's important to follow up. If specific steps or a plan of action were discussed, take initiative and begin working on them. If your superiors promised to get back to you with opportunities or further discussion, send a polite reminder after an appropriate interval. This shows that you are serious about your career progression in commercial leasing and that you are proactive in pursuing your goals. Regularly updating your superiors on your progress can also keep the dialogue open for future opportunities.

7 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?