A careers specialist has warned that a seemingly straightforward question from a boss or future employer could have serious implications. Career and communication strategist Lisa Villegas advises employees and job seekers to be wary if they are asked: 'What do you think you need to work on?'
When discussing areas for improvement in a one-to-one meeting, she advises choosing your words carefully. Her advice also applies to job interviews, where candidates may face the same question from a prospective employer.
Instagram reel gains traction
Villegas shared a reel on her Instagram page offering guidance, which resonated strongly with followers, accumulating over 1,000 likes. The reel saw Villegas smiling into the camera as overlay text read, 'If your manager asks this in your 1:1, be careful how you answer.'
The specialist then explained: "This isn't a casual conversation, even though it sounds like one. Be strategic."
Why the question is evaluative
Elaborating in the accompanying caption, she continued: "This question feels supportive... conversational even! It sounds like self-reflection. It feels like your manager wants to help. But it's actually evaluative."
"Here's what most people don't realise – Managers don't remember every detail of your performance, they remember patterns. When you say, 'I need to be more confident', what gets remembered is: she lacks confidence."
Villegas then gave a real-life scenario, saying that if there were two strong performers and one promotion available, leadership may ask the manager which one is ready. She wrote: "Your manager recalls: 'She mentioned she's still working on confidence.' That doesn't mean you're not capable. It means someone else feels clearer."
Reframing professional development
Instead, Villegas advised people to frame professional development around abilities and progression rather than insecurities. She suggested replacing, 'I need to speak up more', with 'I'm sharpening how I bring forward recommendations earlier in discussions'.
Rather than saying, 'I struggle with executive presence', she recommended telling your manager, 'I'm focused on communicating at a more decision-ready level as scope increases'. She added: "Same honesty. Very different signal."
"Don't let what feels like a casual conversation stall your well deserved promotion!" "Interviews don't stop once you're hired... every conversation is an opportunity to communicate your value."
The guidance resonated strongly with many, as one follower told Villegas: "This reframing changes how self-reflection is perceived at work." While another commented: "Self-reflection and controlling what you can control are the real flex, plus with a good attitude, gets you where you need to go!"
