How to make my line manager approve my internal transfer

Question

I am planning to move to another department in my company. In my company, internal transfer need to fulfill two requirements:

1. Work in the current position for more than 18 months (I have worked in my current position for two years)

2. Give a sufficient reason for internal transfer (my transfer reason is for changing working content because of my interests)

I think I have fulfilled above 2 requirements. Currently, our product has been entered into stable state. My leaving would not impact our project.

I have told my line manager about my thought of internal transfer. When I want to talk with him about this, he often delays the conversation, and has been doing so for at least 1.5 months.

Is there any good way to make my line manager approve my internal transfer quickly?

Answer 1

First step: make sure that "personal interests" is an approved internal transfer reason, according to HR and company policy. Just because you think you've met the criteria doesn't mean that you have in the eyes of your management.

If you can get confirmation from HR (or even the same manager) that your transfer reason meets company standards, you have only a couple of options:

1. Press for Specifics
   Next time you discuss it with your manager, ask for the specific reason(s) he thinks you don't meet the criteria or that he doesn't seem willing to approve the transfer. If he provides some details, then that can be the start of a more meaningful discussion about creating a plan to meet his requirements to approve the transfer. If this is unsuccessful, check other company resources: HR, or possibly the next level of management if you're willing to risk creating more tension between you and your manager (which may make both the internal transfer and having him as a future reference more difficult).

2. Move On
   If those are unsuccessful, you may not have much recourse besides polishing up your resume and seeking work elsewhere.

No matter what you decide, make sure your desires are clearly understood, in as positive a way as possible. Make it known that you are willing to stay in your current position for a while to train your replacement and properly hand off your duties.

Answer 2

Out of the two reasons, the first one is quantifiable and you satisfy this condition, No "if"s or "but"s about that.

The second requirement is very, very subjective. "Sufficient reason to do internal transfer" : Sufficient for whom ? Obviously you think that you wanting to work on a different project is sufficient for you. But think about the employer. They will be losing someone who can be very critical supporting the mature product you mentioned. If you leave, they need to hire someone new or someone internally transfer, who knows nothing about the product. So, his or her first few weeks, if not months are wasted resources for the company. And you in your new role will need some ramp-up time. Another resource waste. Unless your new department thinks that you are the next thing after sliced bread for their project, it is very hard to justify this second requirement. After all company is paying you your salary to perform the work they want you to perform. Not hop from one project to the other because you are bored or changed interest in your current role.

Do not think it only from your point of view. Think from the company's angle too.