Coach's Corner: When your job isn't challenging enough

Q: I'm really underutilized at work. Not only is the work too easy, I also don't have enough to do. I like my boss, but how can I get her to increase the challenge level in my job?

A: Be sure you're delivering well on your current tasks, and then don't be afraid to push.

There can be a lot of reasons people get held back. Some might pertain to you, your skills and/or your work style. So before you start making more noise about getting more responsibility, take a look at your current performance.

This isn't an easy thing to do. You might find that you have blinders about areas where you need development or you may be a bit defensive. In order to progress, you'll need to set this aside. Try thinking about your performance as an outsider would. Put yourself in your boss' shoes or look from a co-worker's point of view or at the impression you'd give if you were a movie character.

Also think about feedback. If you don't receive regular feedback, that's an issue that you need to address with your boss. If you repeatedly receive feedback about the same issues, then you need to assess your response to it.

Now take a step back and consider other reasons you may not be getting enough work. Does your boss have time to think about your situation? Are you perceived as a threat in some way, perhaps by a weaker performer? Is there just not enough work? Focus on understanding this so that you can approach your boss with appropriate next steps.

Finally, be clear with yourself about what you'd like. What would you like to be doing that isn't currently on your plate? How much more could you take on, what additional experiences might you need to have, and what kind of convincing might you need to do to make this expansion credible?

For example, perhaps you only have one or two projects and there are periods of time when you're waiting for information or decisions from someone else. Lay out a timeline that shows your busy and down times so that she can see for herself that you really do have excess capacity.

Likewise, if you have colleagues who are overworked or know of items that have been deferred, volunteer to help. If your offer is declined, without being defensive or off-putting, see what you can learn about the reasons your assistance wasn't accepted.

Your boss also needs to understand the effect being underused is having on you. Being bored is bad and can lead to stagnation. It also puts the company at risk of losing you to a company that will allow you to grow. Without threatening her, it's important that she understands how important growth is to you.

Keep looking for ways to contribute and be your own advocate with your boss to ensure you get the challenge you seek.