Last updated on Jul 27, 2024

Here's how you can communicate clear expectations and goals to your boss in financial services.

In the dynamic world of financial services, effective communication with your boss about expectations and goals is crucial for career advancement and job satisfaction. It's important to approach this dialogue with clarity and professionalism to ensure that both you and your boss are on the same page. By articulating your career objectives and understanding your boss's expectations, you can create a roadmap for success that aligns with the company's objectives and your personal growth.

1 Know Your Role

Before initiating any conversation about expectations and goals, make sure you have a solid understanding of your current role and responsibilities. In financial services, roles can be complex and multifaceted, so it's important to be clear on what's expected of you. Reflect on your job description, any previous feedback you've received, and the typical standards in your field. This self-assessment will provide a foundation for the discussion and help you articulate how you can grow within the parameters of your role.

Add your perspective

Anitha Allimandadi

Associate Director Operations @ HSBC | HR Reporting, CRM through AGS
(edited)
Report contribution
An example that I can give from my experience doing BD I tried to align the goal with the company objective 1)By increasing new client acquisitions by 20%, focused on contributing to the organisation revenue growth targets for the year 2) tried to implement a referral program to enhance our presence and utilized targeted marketing campaigns to reach potential clients 3)I had a monthly check to track our progress and made necessary adjustments By setting and presenting SMART goals in this structured way, I tried to have a clear and strategic approach to my professional development and contributed to the company’s success

Like
Tom Knighten, CSM

SENIOR RETAIL PROPERTY CONSULTANT
Report contribution
To ensure that you understand a role, you must also understand how this role aligns with the company's direction and goals. Everything you do should be focused on the end result, the company's goals. To minimize your workload, always ask, will this get me any closer to my goals?

Like
Stevan Overby

Task Force General Manager
Report contribution
Start by eventually being the boss and sharing your formula for success with your subordinates. Be the example that they will want to copy.

Like

2 Set Objectives

When setting objectives with your boss, focus on creating SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. In financial services, this might mean targeting a certain number of new client acquisitions or improving efficiency in financial reporting by a specific deadline. Present these goals in a way that demonstrates their alignment with the company's broader objectives, and be prepared to discuss how you plan to achieve them.

Add your perspective

Helen Lowe-Palmer

AVP - Process Engineer/Business Analyst
Report contribution
Set goals in milestones. Be specific with each milestone, make them ‘stepping stones’, not mountains. Multiple stepping stones that can be achieved, is a greater value than a mountain that never gets achieved.

Like

3 Prepare Examples

To effectively communicate your goals and expectations, come prepared with examples that demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the company's success. In financial services, this could involve highlighting a successful project you managed or a complex financial problem you solved. These examples not only showcase your achievements but also help your boss see the potential for future contributions.

Add your perspective

4 Seek Feedback

Openly seek feedback from your boss to understand their perspective on your performance and potential. In the context of financial services, this feedback might pertain to your analytical skills, client management abilities, or understanding of financial regulations. Use this feedback to adjust your goals and expectations, ensuring they are realistic and aligned with what your boss believes you can achieve.

Add your perspective

5 Align Visions

Ensuring that your career goals align with the company's vision is essential in financial services. Discuss how your personal aspirations can contribute to the company's targets, such as expanding into new markets or enhancing financial product offerings. This alignment shows your boss that you are invested in the company's future and eager to play a role in its success.

Add your perspective

6 Follow Up

After your initial conversation, schedule regular check-ins with your boss to discuss progress and any adjustments to your goals. In financial services, markets and regulations change rapidly, so it's important to remain adaptable. These follow-ups will keep you and your boss aligned on expectations and help you stay on track with your career objectives.