How to Request Training from Your Boss

Freddy Williams, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast

Talent development is a business imperative, and most managers are typically looking for employees who are eager to grow. But knowing which employees are motivated to pursue such growth isn’t always apparent. Raise your hand to show your manager you want to grow personally and professionally.

As a CEO, I am consistently looking for the next generation of leaders to develop because with strong leaders comes a more effective, productive, efficient and motivated workforce that will drive business results and program impact. It is not a matter of resources to cover talent development costs; there is an opportunity cost to not investing in staff development.

Lisa Suprenand, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay

When you make a training request, first ensure you meet with the decision-maker. While your direct supervisor should be an important part of that conversation, your HR department may be responsible for coordinating or approving training requests. Understanding how your organization plans for training and the process will help you succeed.

Be mindful of your organization’s budget cycle and plan to ensure your training request can be included in the budget, especially if there’s a substantial cost.

Finally, when making a training request, share how your personal goals and the organization’s goals intersect and how the training will be mutually beneficial.

If your training request is denied, clarify the process for requesting professional development, state your interest to be considered for upcoming opportunities and keep the conversation open.

Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj, Producing Artistic Director and Resident Playwright, American Stage Theatre Company

When asking your manager for training, be sure to present the benefit of the training to both you and your organization.

Kim Jowell, CEO, Pinellas Education Foundation

I always appreciate when a team member has done their research on a training opportunity and comes prepared to share why it is important to them and how it will benefit them and the organization.

Jennifer Yeagley, CEO, St. Petersburg Free Clinic

Be specific about the details of your training request, such as the cost, location and timing, so your manager does not have to do any research on their own. Frame your training request, so it’s clear how the opportunity will enhance your performance and benefit your organization.

Here’s a sample of how to request training from your boss:

There’s a week-long grant writing training coming up. It costs $X and is remote. I’ve looked at my schedule, and I can meet all deadlines and participate in this opportunity with some advance planning. This training will help me strengthen my skills in grant research, grant budgeting and post-award support, all goals we identified for me this year. Investing in this development opportunity for me personally will also translate into a more efficient grant development process for our organization, allowing me to better support my colleagues while identifying new grant opportunities. This can all mean reduced costs and increased revenue for our organization.

As a supervisor, this would be a hard request to turn down, assuming your organization has a culture of employee development and a budget set aside for training.