Every enthusiastic worker hopes their boss will recognize, value, and nurture their talent. However, not all of these dreams will be fulfilled in every workplace.
Training is essential to helping professionals reach their goals, set new ones, and advance their skill sets. Unfortunately, many firms treat these processes as an afterthought or a box-ticking exercise. The potential for training is never realized; thus, neither is that of the employee. In truly dire circumstances, training can be omitted entirely.
Of course, life is too short for employees to sit around and wish things were different. Action should be taken in these circumstances. If you have met a similar dead-end yourself, here is what to do if your boss won’t train you.
Make Your Interest Known
Your boss should provide training without you asking for it. That said, if they have fallen short and you have made a request for more yourself, you can at least take comfort in the fact that you tried to change the situation.
There is no harm in requesting training. That way, you will at least highlight your interest in your role. Your commitment to bettering the prospects of yourself and the business can’t be questioned, either.
After all, some people may fear that their colleagues will view them as office suck-ups. They might suspect their request for further training would be perceived similarly to a child asking their tutor for more homework. In these situations, it is worth remembering the differences between a go-getter and a suck-up; the former is prepared to put the work in and achieve results.
Try not to act entitled with your request. Budgeting problems or a change of strategy in the firm’s processes might be why things are not progressing as fast as you would like. Be mindful of these factors as you politely ask for more training.
Enroll in a Good Course
Training can be found elsewhere. Pursuing it can also be a move that makes you feel powered, taking the trajectory of your career into your own hands.
An in-depth online management program might give insights into where your career could go next. You can learn to develop complex challenges across organizational functions while also developing core management skills. Learn more about the connected elements of modern business no matter what stage of your career you are currently in.
There is always a way to progress your career, even if your workplace is not facilitating that enrichment. These types of programs can also help you with decision-making, granting you a lot of self-confidence and agency as you navigate your profession. The experience is invaluable and could change your prospects substantially if you apply what you have learned.
Course providers can be highly reputable amongst recruiters, too. If you ever need to find another job, your credentials here will speak for themselves. You can also back up the claim that you are a self-starter in your application and have a great deal to discuss your training experiences in any interview setting.
Network Extensively
Mentors can help fill a training gap. If one has not been assigned to you already, it may be time to network so that you can unearth one for yourself.
Social media, business conventions, and friends and colleagues may be able to put you in touch with someone who can provide crucial guidance. While their teachings may not amount to training, they can at least impart wisdom and give you tips for overcoming the shortcomings you are experiencing.
It might be that tighter working relationships can form too. After all, if there is a lack of training, it is unlikely you are the only person to be aggrieved by this. Look for those who share your passion for career development and work together.
Consider Looking for a New Role
Quitting a job is not a decision to be made lightly. That said, it is quite often a conclusion talented workers consider.
If you take this course of action, know that you will not be alone. Last year, 1 in 4 Americans considered quitting their job after the pandemic, often because they were not getting the pay rises and promotions they thought they deserved. If there is no training regimen for you to immerse yourself in, career advancement is less likely.
Before you pull the trigger, ask yourself:
- Has my boss promised further training opportunities, and can I trust their word?
- If I receive training eventually, will it be high-quality from a reputable provider?
- Can I afford to wait for things to change?
If you decide to go ahead with a change, analyze the job descriptions you are interested in closely. Do they mention the potential for training and career progression? Have past employees attested to these opportunities? Be sure to broach the topic during your interview and gauge how the recruiters react to your interest in training and advancement.
If your boss does not train you, maintain your enthusiasm, enroll in insightful programs, find like-minded souls, and persist in expanding your horizons on your own terms.
