Question - My boss always gives the special assignments to two people in our branch. These special assignments are helpful in moving ahead. How can I get the boss to give me a special assignment?

Answer - How do you do on your regular assignments? Are they on time? Are they done well needing only minor modifications? If your regular assignments are not on time or need a lot of modifications, do not expect special assignments. Your boss is only giving special assignments to the employees whom she can count on to do well on their regular assignments.

Another question to ask: Do the special assignments require a special knowledge that only the two employees have? Do you have the knowledge and experience to do the special assignment?

If you are doing well in your regular assignments and have the knowledge and experience needed to do the special assignments, you need to have a talk with your boss. Make an appointment and talk with her candidly, but do not make demands. Tell her that you would like the opportunity to have special assignments and to show her more of your capabilities. You may want to talk with her a little bit about your goals in the company. Remind her of the successes you have had and how you think you will be able to help. I am sure that she will consider you when the next special assignment comes up.

Please e-mail me your questions at drrebecca@ureach.com I cannot guarantee that I will be able to answer all of them on the web, but I will select the ones that I think will be of interest to the most people.