How to ask the current boss about a letter of recommendation

I met with my boss and discussed my goals and then asked him straight up to write me a letter. Not much more to it than that in my case.

I'm gonna be asking straight up as well. When I was interviewed for the job I said that I plan to do my mba in 2 years. However I did point out that the organisation is so big that if contributions are recognised prior to an mba I would definitely like to join back post an mba at a much much better position. They selected me then n there.
Now gonna tell them that the time has come for me to upgrade.

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I don't think there is much you can do here but to discuss your future goals.

You need to make that assessment :
whether your boss is sane enough to write a letter for you or will just fire you as soon as he hears 'MBA'
whether he will write good things
whether you are willing to give up the short term gains in your current organization (read: hikes, promotions, increased responsibilities etc.) for the LOR you are asking

This is a very common situation and a real concern. There are many different ways to handle this matter and some of those that we have used this past year include:
* bypassing your current supervisor and seeking the recommendation from somebody in your organization who does not have direct impact over your employment status and who you can trust will not use your academic goals as gossip (which also means you usually have to explain why you did not choose your supervisor in the application).
* bypassing people your current organization all together and seek recommendations from people you worked outside your company (customers, clients, former co-workers, etc.). Again, you have to explain.
* taking a chance with your current supervisor and asking that he keeps your goals in confidence. It is our experience that if you approach your supervisor correctly, few will use your MBA plans are reasons to terminate your employment.

Kimberly Plaga
Senior Admissions Consultant
Manhattan Review

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