STRATEGY

The most important aspect of this dialogue is knowing that your supervisor's primary concern is how your transfer will affect them. While you're excited about the prospect of a new city and working with different people, your supervisor is calculating the impact of your departure. Keep your supervisor's point of view in mind and you'll be able to successfully navigate this conversation. First, be sure you're transferring to a location where they need someone with your skills. You can't transfer somewhere you're not needed. Be certain to give your supervisor sufficient time to consider your transfer request. The more advance notice you give, the more likely they are to approve your request. Soothe your supervisor's worst fear by assuring them you'll work with your replacement. Emphasize you don't want to leave your department understaffed. If your timetable is flexible, offer to stay until your replacement is working at maximum efficiency. Your supervisor will appreciate your loyalty and take the offer as a gesture of good faith. Your supervisor may insist a transfer is impossible until several key projects are completed. Be ready to compromise—but don't get bullied into an unreasonable agreement. Stress you're transferring for a career opportunity, improved lifestyle, or other pertinent reason, and not because of dissatisfaction with your job. If pressed, suggest promoting a younger employee to take your place. Promoting from within will save the company time and money, not to mention clear the way for your transfer. Manage your supervisor's fear, and anticipate their objections, and you'll get your transfer.

TACTICS

• Attitude: Be flexible, but within reason. You're asking for something that could weaken your department, so be ready to compromise. Thank your supervisor for the opportunity of working with them. It may seem transparent flattery, but it will set a friendly tone for the dialogue.
• Preparation: Check the company's policies regarding transfers. Research any transfers that took place during the past year. Find out if the company will pay your moving costs.
• Timing: Request the transfer as soon as a position becomes available at the new office. Your supervisor needs time to replace you and time for you to work with your replacement.
• Behavior: Emphasize that transferring is critical and your decision final. If you approach your supervisor with a half‐baked idea they'll deny your transfer. Whatever the reason, make it seem that there's nothing more important than your transferring.

ADAPTATIONS

This script can be modified to:

• Ask for a recommendation for another job.

KEY POINTS

• Be sure you're requesting a transfer to a place you're needed.
• Emphasize how important the transfer is to you and your family.
• Stress that you like your job, but need to transfer due to your family, your career, a lifestyle change, or some other important reason.
• Offer to work extra hours and on weekends if it means being transferred within a reasonable amount of time.
• Suggest a younger employee for promotion. This will satisfy your supervisor and speed your transfer.
• If you don't get support, express your thanks and go over your supervisor's head.