help with question boss asked me

daveyduck

I'm am with my company 11 years and have moved from warehouse to sales and been there since. I have been asked where do I see myself in the company in a few years 3-5years and I'm happy there but at present there is no next step as people are very settled longer than myself. I would like to see myself in a higher position in time, aspirations for management.


. If I were to create a new position in the company that would better it what would it be? I am looking for some suggestions as I have a day or two to reply. The company is in good shape in the current climate. I can give more information but would like to try remain unknown. Any suggestions or input would appreciated

spurious

Moved to Work and Jobs.

Ellechim

Hi there, in this situation it is probably better to state that you're keen to develop and learn and move into a management position, that you really like the company and enjoy the work and are flexible about your future. It is good to ask for feedback - a question to your manager along the lines of ' what do you think can I do to help me develop so I am ready when something does come up' can go a long way. For instance, in any management position you need to be able to manage people - have you any people management experience? Is there any way you can get it in your current role?

Does that help at all? Best of luck with the discussion - remember also that it is an opportunity for you to sell yourself so make sure your manager knows about the good work you have been doing.

daveyduck

Ellechim wrote: »

Hi there, in this situation it is probably better to state that you're keen to develop and learn and move into a management position, that you really like the company and enjoy the work and are flexible about your future. It is good to ask for feedback - a question to your manager along the lines of ' what do you think can I do to help me develop so I am ready when something does come up' can go a long way. For instance, in any management position you need to be able to manage people - have you any people management experience? Is there any way you can get it in your current role?

Does that help at all? Best of luck with the discussion - remember also that it is an opportunity for you to sell yourself so make sure your manager knows about the good work you have been doing.

If the boss is away I and others generally split the work load but I find I make some of the bigger decisions as others may not want to in case its the wrong decision. I help others who are there longer around the internal system and have a good working relationship with everyone I think :-) I still want to learn and help others with their work. Others come to me for help and guidance. I want the company to evolve with better and equal standards for everyone, to make it a better company and known outside its circles as good company to work for. Don't get me wrong its not always paradise and you work hard but there is room to improve but there are obstacles that I cannot discuss that may hinder any real progression not just for me but for the company.

finisklin

It looks like you are really knowledgeable about the company's products, their customers and how the various systems/processes work internally. The fact that people come to you to ask questions and get direction or guidance is a big plus. This suggests that you are a good communicator, team player and interested in developing the people around you through sharing your knowledgeable of how things work.

Given that you work in sales you are strong on the product side, negotiating on price (and the whole invoicing possibly payments part of the business) and ensuring that the product is there for when customers want it. This means that you interact with very important parts of your business - maybe accounts (finance in raising invoicing), logistics and supply chain to ensure there is enough stock to meet customers requirements and importantly that you can upsell and identify other opportunities for more sales.

Perhaps your next role is a new role that takes on a sales effectiveness emphasis. This could be where you work specifically in developing the internal capability of your company to sell more i.e. identify opportunties with particular customers and ensure that you have product to sell as and when they require it. Perhaps its a completely new product? Are there related or complementary areas that you can look to sell to exisitng customers? Have you a NPD process?

Overall, it sounds exciting and that you are being acknowledged for what you have achieved so far. It may be an idea to write down your job description at this point in time i.e. all the things that you currently do and have responsibility for. Compare this with the JD when you started? What are the differences? Perhaps the job title does not match your current role and responsibilities as it has evolved over the years e.g. mentoring and nurturing talent in the company as the "Knowledge Man".

BTW, don't sell yourself short. Reach for the stars.......

daveyduck

It's raw material we sell. i'm not sure what NPD is?? But I have a few idea's from your helpful input. May I ask if you are an employer or employee? Thanks

finisklin

daveyduck wrote: »

It's raw material we sell. i'm not sure what NPD is?? But I have a few idea's from your helpful input. May I ask if you are an employer or employee? Thanks

I have been both! PM if you want to take it off line.....