I want to improve my skills through Professional Development. How do I get my boss to pay?

First of all, if there is a will there is a way. Here are a few suggestions. See if any of them work for you.

• Tell your bosses how committed you are to your on-going personal and professional development, and this is what you need.

• Remind them that it has been a while since the company invested in your development.

• Join the dots for them in terms of the value it will bring to the business (as you would for any leadership or development programme, as you would when justifying training for anyone in your team).

• Link it to your business objectives e.g. 'Several years ago I got funding for executive coaching, based on the role I held and what I had to deliver'.

• Link it to what matters to your boss - hit the 'hot' button.

• Explain to them that you are curious, you want to see if there is something in it. Point out that it is risky not to investigate - there could be benefits both for you and for the organisation.

• Tell them about the great reports you've heard (we can give you loads of testimonials if you need them).

• Tell them it doesn’t cost much (it doesn’t).

Tell them why it's important. Be ingenious. I know you are. Because, let’s face it - it will not be a waste of your time.