How to Use Self-Advocacy to Get What You Deserve!
- Priyanka Shinde
- Nov 2, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Most of us believe that actions speak louder than words. Most of us think that if we work hard enough, others will notice and shower us with accolades. Most of us have been raised to not talk about our achievements because it's considered “bragging”. Many of us have also lost opportunities because we did not speak up. We often rely on our supervisors, managers and peers to advocate for us and tell other people about our work. When it doesn’t happen, we are left disappointed and feel unrecognized. It's essential to learn self-advocacy skills to ensure your efforts are acknowledged and rewarded.
If you identify with any of the statements above, then you are probably thinking about how to move ahead in your career and get what you deserve. You shouldn’t rely solely on others to be your voice. That is a lot of burden for the other person. You know yourself and your work the best and therefore you are the best person to advocate for yourself. Remember, to advocate yourself effectively, you must articulate your achievements confidently and assertively.
You cannot expect others to advocate for you, if you cannot advocate for yourself!
Here’s 5 actions you can take to bring more visibility to your work and showcase your impact.
Self-Advocacy: 5 Strategies to Showcase Your Impact
1. Get out of your comfort zone
Talking about your work can feel uncomfortable especially if it goes against your cultural upbringing. You have to break those shackles and consciously put yourself out. Speaking about your own work will get easier as you start doing it more. In order to not sound boastful, you can focus on the impact of the work and how it was achieved. This is different from talking about yourself. Put the spotlight on your work and the results you produced instead of yourself. This will ensure that your message lands correctly. You can take it a step further and talk about the benefits of your work to the team, org or company. Challenge yourself to push ahead with one conversation at a time, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy for professional growth.
2. Solve problems that no one else wants to
In my first job, I saw a coworker always go after the gnarliest of problems even if it was outside their main scope of work. This was definitely a factor in their meteoric rise to senior management. I was inspired to do the same and consequently saw positive results.
When you proactively take on challenging problems, it brings forth your leadership skills and showcases your ability to deal with difficult situations. Management values such contributions because they can rely on you. They feel less anxious as they have one less thing to worry about. You will build trust and credibility with the right people. Additionally, challenging problems are opportunities to be creative. You will develop deeper skills working on such complex issues which helps elevate your craft, and getting what you deserve.
3. Share out your work regularly
When you are working on any program/s, provide regular updates on the status to keep your stakeholders informed. Status reports can feel time consuming and at times pointless. Many TPMs on my team have complained about why they need to send something on a regular basis. Why not just do it when there is a significant change or progress. However, your stakeholders don’t know whether the lack of communication indicates lack of progress or not.
The CEO at one of the startups I worked at, used to say that “if you feel you are over communicating, it means your communication is just about right”
When you provide predictability and visibility into your programs, your stakeholders will be thankful. Remember, your stakeholders also need to report upwards and you can easily reduce their anxiety through predictable updates. Seeing your name regularly pop up in their Inbox means you will be top in their minds. You will form trust and credibility and gain recognition for your work in the process.
4. Seek out people who will challenge you
Getting out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself can become easier when you have the support of people around you. Find the right people who will help you as well as challenge you when needed. Ideally, these folks are strong at advocating for themselves and can share how best to do it. You can lean on your friends and spouse. Or you can find a mentor at work who shares more context. You can also hire a leadership coach who can unlock your true potential. They can help you understand your own challenges so you can make informed choices about your future. A leadership coach can help you strengthen your leadership skills and empower you to be more proactive and effective. Asserting your rights and seeking support from those who have mastered self-advocacy can be transformative.
5. Find a sponsor
Finally, find a sponsor who can be your voice where you may not be present. A sponsor is generally an influential senior leader who can vouch for your work. Keep in mind though, you have to still let the sponsor know about your goals, your work, and what you need from them. Standing up for yourself means actively seeking out opportunities to showcase your capabilities and contributions, both in person and through influential advocates.
The skills of advocating for yourself are also important when interviewing for a job. Hiring managers are interested in knowing specifically about your contributions to a project. In fact, throughout your professional life and even in your personal endeavors, you will find that this skill will bring you the results you desire.
If this post was helpful, please share and comment. Your experiences, especially if you've applied insights from my posts, are valuable additions to the conversation on self-advocacy.
If you find it difficult to talk about your work or if you feel like you are not getting the recognition you deserve. If you want someone to help bring the best out of you, I can help. Contact to set up an introductory consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is self-advocacy important in professional settings?
Self-advocacy is crucial in professional environments because it ensures your contributions are recognized and your needs are known. It empowers you to represent your interests, achievements, and aspirations effectively, facilitating career progression and satisfaction. Without self-advocacy, you might be overlooked for promotions, leadership roles, or key projects, regardless of your performance.
How can I overcome the discomfort of advocating for myself?
To overcome discomfort, start by acknowledging that talking about your accomplishments is not boasting; it's sharing factual information about your contributions. Practice articulating the impact of your work in a concise manner. Begin in a low-stakes setting, such as with a trusted colleague or mentor, and gradually increase the stakes as your confidence grows. Remember, regular practice will diminish the discomfort over time.
What are some effective strategies for self-advocacy during job interviews?
During job interviews, focus on specific contributions you've made in past roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your personal impact on successful outcomes. Be prepared to discuss challenges you've overcome and how they demonstrate your skills. Additionally, asking insightful questions about the company’s values and projects shows your engagement and ability to advocate for a good fit on both sides.
How can I find a mentor or sponsor to support my self-advocacy efforts?
Identify individuals in your network or organization who embody the qualities of effective self-advocates and whom you admire professionally. Reach out to them with specific questions or for advice on particular challenges. Attend networking events and workshops to meet potential mentors. For finding a sponsor, look for leaders in your organization who have influence and could directly impact your career growth, then demonstrate your value and commitment to the organization’s goals.
What role does self-advocacy play in career advancement and growth?
Self-advocacy plays a pivotal role in career advancement by making sure that your hard work and achievements are visible to decision-makers and not just limited to your immediate supervisor. By effectively advocating for yourself, you position yourself as a candidate for new opportunities and ensure your career trajectory aligns with your goals and values. This proactive approach demonstrates leadership qualities and can lead to greater professional growth.
Can self-advocacy help in negotiating for better opportunities or benefits?
Absolutely, self-advocacy is key in negotiations. Clearly communicating your value and the results you’ve driven for the organization can justify your requests for better compensation, opportunities, or benefits. It's important to prepare by gathering evidence of your contributions and understanding the market standards for your role. Effective self-advocacy means articulating your needs while being open to compromise.
How can I build confidence in asserting my rights and needs in the workplace?
Building confidence in asserting your rights and needs begins with a clear understanding of your professional worth and rights. Educate yourself on workplace norms and legal rights relevant to your job and industry. Practice self-affirmation techniques and set small, attainable advocacy goals to build your confidence gradually. Support from a mentor or coach can also be instrumental in developing this skill.
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