If you’re like a lot of women, you might find it hard to ask for what you want at work.

Despite the progress we’ve seen, women still face gendered expectations that can make requesting a promotion, a pay rise or professional development feel daunting. But for many, simply finding the right words remains the biggest hurdle. You have career goals and you know the path to achieve them, but you aren’t quite sure how to frame ‘the ask’ in the current climate.

The right framing makes a request easier to say yes to. We’ve put together a template you can adapt and send to your manager. It’s written for women stepping into leadership: if you’re the person everyone comes to for the answer, and your sights are set on leading others rather than knowing more, this is for you.

It’s positioned around Platinum+ Emerging Leaders, our 12-week online program for new leaders, followed by a 12-month FW Membership.

Before you send it

• Make it about their goals as well as yours: Link the program to something your team is working on, or a gap your manager has already mentioned.
• Be clear about the cost and time: A request without them usually comes back with a question, which slows everything down.
• Say what you’ll do with it: One or two specific things you’ll apply in your role are more persuasive than general benefits.
• Ask for a conversation, not just a reply: A short meeting gives you the chance to answer questions on the spot.

The Template

Subject line: Opportunity for professional development / My goals for next year

Hi [manager’s name],

I’d like to talk with you about my development over the next year. I want to grow into [the role or responsibility you’re working towards] here at [organisation], and I’d like some structured support to build the leadership skills that step needs.

The FW Platinum+ Emerging Leaders program is open for enrolment, and it’s built for my career stage. It’s a 12-week program designed to move people like me from high-level operational execution into strategic leadership. It needs three hours a week of my time, and because it’s online, it won’t take me away from the day-to-day.

I’d use the program to [one or two specific things you’d apply, for example: lead team meetings with confidence, delegate well or manage stakeholders across the business]. I’d apply what I learn as I go, so you’d see the benefit during the 12 weeks, not only at the end. I’m happy to check in with you at the midpoint and share what I’ve put into practice.

It also includes a year of FW Membership, and small-group mentoring runs for 12 months, so the investment doesn’t stop when the program does. More than 1,100 women have completed it since 2018, almost all participants recommend it, and 36% are promoted within 12 months.

Optional, if it fits your workplace: Supporting this would also be a tangible way for [organisation] to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality and culture, something stakeholders and talent increasingly look for.

It costs $4,500 + GST, and I’d like to put it forward against my development budget this year. Could we find 15 minutes in the next couple of weeks to talk it through? The next intake starts in [month], and enrolments close on [date]. You can read more on the Platinum+ Emerging Leaders program page.

Thanks for considering it,
[Your name]

There you go! Mix it up, add bits, remove bits – it’s your journey from here.