Boss refuses to teach key job details

I have a new boss who has no time to coach me. He told me I should do my job without help and commit “occasional, but honest mistakes,” which he said is great for learning. That made me anxious. Is this the right approach to take for our work relationship? — Brave Heart.

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It’s a vote of confidence, especially if your job requires that you manage things autonomously while minimizing room for mistakes.

If you're ambitious and would want to improve your chances of getting a promotion, this is the right time for you to prove your worth.

CALCULATED MEASURES

Generally, your boss is not your enemy, but could be a manager with many tasks on his plate who has no spare time to help you with the nitty-gritty of your job.

If you're ambitious and hungry for growth, explore the following measures:

One, clarify the boss’s intention.

Some managers get nervous when a worker expresses interest in learning higher-level skills — especially if they think it’s a threat to their position. That's not always about ego. Sometimes it’s fear or insecurity.

Defuse the threat and focus on contribution. Say something like: “I admire the way you manage the team and handle strategic issues. I’d love to learn more so I can support you better and grow within the company.”

This signals your interest in being seen as an asset, not a challenge. Position yourself as a future-ready team player who wants to increase your value, without staging a mutiny.

Two, start with calculated risks.

Find small ways to step up. Offer to help with reports, prep for meetings, or coordinate team events. These low-risk tasks build trust and give you exposure to higher-level responsibilities.