Demystifying Self-Promotion: How to be your Own Best Advocate at Work
Knowing how to defend and promote yourself is a valuable skill. It can often feel intimidating or uncomfortable, but having the courage to stand up for your values and needs allows you to be in control of your own success - because if you don't advocate on behalf of yourself, who will?
That sounds easy, right? Not so much. ?Some people may be hesitant to speak up for themselves out of fear of being seen as difficult or confrontational, or of being rejected or not taken seriously. This fear may be especially strong if you have experienced negative consequences in the past for advocating for yourself. Here are some tips on how to be your best advocate in the workplace.
Know your worth: Understanding your value and what you bring to the table plays a big role in being your best advocate. This means being confident in your skills and abilities, and not undervaluing yourself. Knowing your worth can also help you negotiate for a higher salary or better benefits. Separately, timing matters and may dictate the outcome of these conversations.
Communicate effectively: Being able to communicate your thoughts and needs clearly and assertively is crucial in advocating for yourself. This means being able to express yourself without being aggressive or confrontational. Practice active listening and make sure you understand the other person's perspective before voicing your own. For planned conversations, your mirror can be your best friend! Don’t be afraid to do as many run throughs as you need to feel confident in your message.
Set boundaries: It's important to know your limits and be able to say no when necessary. Setting boundaries helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout. It's okay to say no to extra work or requests that go beyond your job duties, especially if it interferes with successfully completing required projects and goals. ?Communicate your reasons clearly and professionally, but also remember "no" is a complete sentence.
Seek support: If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to advocate for yourself, it can be helpful to seek support from a mentor, manager, or HR professional. They can provide guidance and help you navigate any challenges you may be facing.
Be proactive: Don't wait for someone else to advocate for you. Take the initiative and speak up for yourself when you see an opportunity for improvement or advancement.?This shows that you are proactive and invested in your career and the success of the company.
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Know company policies: Make it a priority to read your entire employee handbook to be aware of company policies, as well as your rights as an employee. ?Have a deep understanding of any policies or procedures in place to protect those rights or lack thereof. This can help you advocate for yourself if you feel company policies are not being followed, your rights have been violated or if you need to escalate an issue.
Take care of yourself: To be an effective advocate for yourself, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Make time for self-care and seek help if you are struggling with your mental health. Taking care of yourself will help you feel more confident and capable of advocating for yourself.
Practice self-advocacy: It is essential not only to advocate for yourself in the workplace but also in your personal life. Practice self-advocacy by speaking up for your needs and boundaries with friends and family. This will help you build confidence and become more comfortable advocating for yourself in all areas of your life.
Value everyone: Even though advocating for yourself is important, it should not come at the expense of others. Respect the opinions and contributions of your colleagues and focus on finding solutions that benefit everyone. It takes a team effort to achieve success!
Keep learning: Do not forget to stay up to date with industry trends and changes so you can make informed decisions about how best to advocate for yourself. Doing this will help you stay ahead of the curve and make sure you're getting the best possible outcome.
Note for HR professionals: As an HR professional, voicing your needs can be a tricky business. It is important to remember that having knowledge and access to information does not mean you have forfeited the right to use it for your own benefit - like salary negotiations or career growth opportunities. Harnessing data combined with experience will help make more persuasive arguments so do not let potential conflicts of interest stop you from advocating effectively!?This may also be applicable to accounting and finance professionals in certain organizations.
Being your own advocate is an important skill to have, not only in the business world but in all aspects of life. By using the tips above you can confidently speak up for yourself and assert your needs. It is important to recognize that it is okay to feel hesitant or nervous about advocating for yourself. It is a skill that can be learned and developed with practice. Remember, it is okay to ask for what you want and need – don't be afraid to be your own advocate.
Big Steele Creative Design, LLC: Current Clients in the NCAA; SEC, PAC12, Big12, ACC, Miss Valley & SWAC
2 年Great article Regina…Keep sharing your knowledge??
Equal Employment Specialist | Columnist | Employee Relations| Keynote Speaker | Podcast Host | Mediator | SHRM Board Member | Social Media Manager | Trainer | Veteran
2 年Great tips! No is a complete sentence!
Director, Partner & HCM Level 2 Support | Innovative and Efficient Operational Leader | Strategic Senior HR Leader | Growth Driver
2 年Great article!