How do you know when it’s the appropriate time to ask your boss for more work? What about when you are new to the company and don’t want to be “that” person to all of your colleagues? The answer is…you don’t really know, but I’m here to say, you’re not alone.

I work at a very corporate company, and by that I mean one of the “Big 3” of Metro Detroit. You can’t get much more corporate than that. I am struggling with this thought of wanting to ask my bosses (I have three…) for more work. I hope I’m not alone in saying that it makes me nervous coming up to my boss and basically saying, “Hey, I need more work because the stuff you gave me to do didn’t take very long.” However, I believe there is a better way to approach the situation to benefit both parties involved:

• Check yourself: Make sure that the work you were originally assigned is completed to the best of your ability and it is work that you are proud to show your boss at the end.
• Once you’ve crossed all your T’s and dotted all your I’s: Ask your colleagues what they’re working on and see if they need any help.
• If they’re all good: You should start thinking about work that you would like to be doing and possibly combining it with work your department handles.
• Finally, the approach: Set-up a one-on-one meeting with your boss and discuss some areas where you think you excel in. What skills do you already posses that could take your work at the company to the next level?

The key to this interaction is to make sure you are being thoughtful and aware of the role you play in the company. Speaking up in a polite way shows initiative and a hard work ethic that every boss would like to see from their employees.

How would you start a conversation like that? Please share in the comments below!