How to Get Your Boss to Pay for Training

This may seem especially frustrating when you're arguing for something like job training that you know has real value to your organization. So, how do you convince your boss of that value? As a former boss and someone who believes strongly in the value of education, I'd like to give you three tips: (1) Have all the facts, (2) Explain the benefits, and (3) Be a team player.

(1) Have All the Facts
One of the most common problems I used to have when someone asked me to approve spending was being presented with a vague idea instead of a specific plan. If you go to your boss and say, "I want to take more seminars," you're probably going to get a polite shrug or an "Ok." That "Ok" doesn't mean "Ok, sounds great, I'll approve anything you want"; it means "Ok, come back when you have a plan."

If you want a clear answer, ask a clear question. It's a lot harder to say "no" to a specific proposal, so make sure you're armed with all of the facts. If you're interested in attending a seminar or conference, make sure you know the location, date, and cost (including travel and hotel, if needed), and can summarize what you'll learn. Better yet, bring your boss a printout with all of the relevant details, giving her the option to review it later. This also shows that you've thought your plan through, and that you care enough to put time into it.

(2) Explain the Benefits
It's easy to see your boss as someone who only cares about the bottom line, but every boss has to work within a budget, and that means she has to weigh the benefits of every expense. So, make your boss's job easier: explain exactly what you want to get out of the seminar you're proposing and, more importantly, how that will benefit your work and your company. That doesn't mean that training has to translate directly into profits, but you should be able to demonstrate how the seminar or conference will improve either your productivity or revenues. Productivity covers a lot of areas: a seminar might improve your technical skills, help your time management, address workplace trouble spots, smooth bad relationships, improve your negotiating skills, etc. When it comes to benefits, don't be afraid to get creative.

(3) Be a Team Player
Even though it will cost more overall, it may be easier in some instances to argue for training a group of people. It makes your request seem less selfish and reinforces the idea that you're looking out for the team. If you're considering a seminar or conference, stop and think about whether it might benefit others in your department, and talk to those coworkers about it. If they're interested enough, you might just gain an ally when you approach the boss. If you have a large group (more than 10 people), some seminar companies will bring events in-house, reducing your travel and hotel costs.

Closing the Deal
When you approach your boss, think of it as a bit of a sales pitch. Keep it short but professional, and come armed with the facts, including a few bullet points about the benefits. Your boss isn't always going to say "yes," but if you know what you want, are sincere, and can demonstrate why training is valuable to the company, you'll dramatically improve your odds.

If you'd like to learn more about communicating with your boss, you might be interested in the following seminars:

• The Conference for Assistants
• Managing Up
• Partnering With Your Boss: Strategic Skills for Administrative Professionals