You’re struggling to get your boss to advocate for you. What’s the best way to approach the situation?

In my experience, if you're struggling to gain advocacy, it is a good time to examine your brand within your organization. You not only want to determine how your direct manager views you, but also your peers and other leaders, as well. Your brand is your currency within your organization. A lot of times advocacy may be lacking because the right people don't know you need or want to be advocated or they do not know why you want it. When using your voice in a corporate setting, I've found that being strategic is invaluable. Not every moment is the appropriate moment for advocacy. Not all advocacy takes place in a boardroom. Determine your brand and communicate your goals. This will allow you to find the right advocate for your purposes.

Ask for feedback about your performance outside of a formal review. When a specific performance issue is brought up in that meeting, ask "What are two things I could do that would change your perception about that/increase your confidence in me in that area?" It is critical to listen to that feedback with an open mind and a willingness to change. You may not agree with the feedback or the steps needed to change, but at least you will have identified specific actions to take IF you want that person's advocacy. If your boss is not willing to have that meeting or give you specific feedback, that is a big flag that you may need to find other advocates if you want to succeed with your current employer.

This is always the best route to take when you are encountering a level of indifference within your work environment. What is the issue/cause; when you know the underlining issue you can see a route to resolution. If your level of communication is not on a high level make it your business to change that aspect of your relationship with the manager. Remain consistent with your work and behavior within the work place. Stay out of workplace drama and become dependable for your manager if you weren't previously. Do not be afraid to express your boundaries within this process. Build strong networks with other people who see your hard work and train with them to become better within your field.

I learned that it was "wrong" to talk about myself or my successes, it was called "bragging". I knew I was an asset to any firm that hired me; I diligently followed the lesson taught in school to "not blow your own trumpet". I noticed, though, that men boldly discussed challenges they'd faced, or projects they'd completed, and got ahead faster than the women. I switched gears and began experimenting "blowing my own trumpet". I boasted about completed tasks, or successful projects and it wasn't long before I was recognized as a major contributor to the team's success. Showing up as your true, authentic self, and being able to talk about your "wins" are critical to getting your boss to trust and to automatically advocate on your behalf.

When seeking advocacy from your boss, it's essential to: 1. Clearly articulate your accomplishments and contributions relevant to the situation. 2. Highlight how your actions align with the company's goals and values. 3. Provide evidence or data to support your request. 4. Express your willingness to take on additional responsibilities or tasks to address the situation effectively. 5. Schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss the matter in detail and ask for their support. 6. Be respectful and open to feedback throughout the conversation.

Our influence with others is solely dependent on our relationship with those in life. We need to foster a good positive working relationship built on trust. This evolves into a relationship of respect. Communication is always the key. It's a great first step.

Before we jump to conclusions, first is to examine why our boss doesn’t advocate for us. Was it because of our performance? Our competency? Our character? Our behaviors? How we live with others? Who else are in the competition for his advocation? What did they do well and how well are we in the competition? If we were this boss, who would we advocate and why? What made we make that decision? Who can give me the best advice on the above questions? What would that person say about me? What would that person say about the people I am competing with? By answering those questions perhaps we will be a total changed person who will have our boss’s supports and advocation in the very near future.

EXPLAIN WHAT'S IN IT FOR THEM. Define what is the benefit to your boss, the organization, your colleagues, and your clients. That's how you get buy in and support. Give them a reason to support you. Build a business case. This could include cost-savings, time savings, less burnout, contributing to morale, teamwork, and productivity. Draw upon similar case studies and results. CONDUCT A "PILOT PROJECT" Position your proposal as a "pilot test", explaining you recommended a trial period and an assessment afterward to determine the impact. This removes the permanency of a decision and lowers the perceived risk.