SPEAK UP: The Guide to Graceful Self-Advocacy

When it comes to self-advocacy in the federal space, new and mid-career employees often find themselves in a tricky spot. You want to speak up and put yourself forward, but the fear of being seen as “too much” or “selfish” can hold you back. Self-advocacy isn’t about bragging or inflating your worth—it’s about recognizing your value and making sure others do too. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Build Confidence, Not Cockiness?

“I’m not cocky, I’m confident. So, when you tell me I’m the best, it’s a compliment.” — Jadakiss

Jason Terrance Phillips, aka Jadakiss – Yonkers, NY born rapper and entrepreneur’s lyric hits home because it’s all about balancing confidence and humility. The key to advocating for yourself without coming off as cocky is to anchor your self-presentation in facts. When you’re highlighting your contributions, focus on the tangible results you’ve achieved and the value you bring. If you managed a project, don’t just say, “I led this project.” Say, “I led this project, which resulted in a 25% efficiency increase.” Let your results do the talking.? Consider using the S.T.A.R. method: When updating your resume, composing your self-evaluations, or just crafting notes to have a discussion with your boss – consider explaining with SITUATION, TASK, what ACTION, you took and its RESULT.?

Practical Tip: Keep a “Wins Journal” where you record specific achievements with quantifiable outcomes. This will arm you with data-backed facts to share when it’s time to advocate for yourself.

2. Know Your Worth: If You Don’t, Nobody Else Will?

“You teach people how to treat you by what you accept.” — Tony Gaskins

Knowing your worth is about understanding and articulating the value you bring to the table. Early-career professionals sometimes accept extra responsibilities without questioning whether it aligns with their growth or worth. Recognize your contributions and advocate for your professional growth just as aggressively as you do the work itself. This means knowing when to say “yes” and when to say “no,” and ensuring your skills and contributions are not undervalued.? It’s been my personal experience to sometimes take on more responsibilities to be in a better position to prove my worth.? But I also knew when to say no to certain additional tasks as I wanted to ensure I kept my priorities intact.? You are always proving yourself.? Whether you are proving it to your own self, or proving your value to your immediate leadership.? But if you know you value – taking on roles, but the right roles – shouldn’t be an issue, but an opportunity.

Practical Tip: Write down your key strengths and align them with your role’s needs. Use this list when discussing new opportunities, asking for a raise, or seeking a promotion.

3. Ask, Don’t Assume?

“Closed mouths don’t get fed.” — African Proverb

Let’s be real—opportunities aren’t just handed out. Many early-career federal employees assume that hard work alone will naturally lead to growth, but that’s not always the case. Speak up, ask for what you need, and communicate your career aspirations. Want to attend that leadership conference? Ask. Interested in cross-training for a different role? Ask. Your leaders can’t read your mind, so you’ve got to express your ambitions clearly and confidently.? Let’s take it a step further than just the ask – lets be proactive and have a plan in place to mitigate any rationale for rejection.? Perhaps cross-train your teammates to ensure work gets accomplished despite your time away from your job.? Ever consider putting together a brief presentation to explain how the core mission will benefit from your attendance at a certain conference or training? ?

Practical Tip: Craft an “Opportunity Pitch.” Write out what you want and why you deserve it, then practice delivering it succinctly and confidently to your supervisor or mentor.?

4. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive?

“It ain’t what you say, it’s how you say it.” — Common

It’s funny how someone can say the same actual words, but when you add a little ‘tone’ to it – changes up the entire meaning, intention and purpose of a statement.? Truthfully, no one is better at the ‘tone-game’ than us Black people!? It’s not just about asking for what you want but also about how you ask. Being assertive means expressing your needs respectfully, without undermining others. Tone, timing, and tact are crucial. Don’t demand; instead, propose and negotiate. For example, if you’re advocating for a new responsibility, frame it as, “I’ve demonstrated success in this area, and I’d like to contribute more to this project,” instead of, “I think I should be leading this.”? Let’s be real – we all can use some more help in this area. ?This is where soft-skills come to play.? Go back and check out episode #3 of the Black Office Unlocked podcast – ‘Redefining Soft Skills as Ultimate Boss Skills’.? ?

Practical Tip: Pay attention to your body language. Assertiveness comes from confidence, which is conveyed through eye contact, an upright posture, and a firm (but not forceful) tone.? Lead with Gratitude, not Attitude.?

Three Key Takeaways:

?1. Lead with Facts and Results: Confidence isn’t about ego—it’s about facts. Keep track of your wins and lead with what you’ve achieved.

2. Communicate Your Value: Don’t assume others know what you bring to the table. Articulate your contributions, needs, and ambitions clearly.

3. Be Assertive, Not Aggressive: Respectful communication builds bridges. Approach every ask with a collaborative mindset and watch how opportunities open up.

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In conclusion - Self-advocacy is a critical skill, especially in federal careers where advancement isn’t just about what you do, but also how well you communicate your worth. By building confidence, knowing your value, asking clearly, and being assertive, you can master self-advocacy without seeming selfish. Take these lessons to heart and make moves—your career depends on it. Stay unlocked.