Advocating for yourself in the workplace is just as important as advocating for yourself during the job search. Whether it is a flexible schedule, remote work options, or adjusting deadlines, do not hesitate to advocate for what you need to maintain work-life balance and productivity. This involves communicating your needs, standing up for your contributions, and ensuring you are recognized for your work and growth. By advocating for yourself, you take ownership of your career growth and pave the way for future success.
Here are several strategies to effectively advocate for yourself at work:
Know Your Worth and Contributions
Keeping a running document that contains the following information:
- Be clear about how your skills and experience contribute to the company.
- Know how your role supports the team and overall business objectives.
- Keep a record of your accomplishments, including the value you’ve added to projects, teams, and company goals.
This will help you present concrete evidence of your contributions during performance reviews or when discussing promotions. This documentation will also assist you in keeping your resume content current.
Speak Up About Your Needs
If you are unclear about your responsibilities or feel overburdened, initiate a conversation with your manager to clarify expectations and discuss the workload balance. It is important to set boundaries when necessary. Where possible, be clear about what you need to succeed. If you need more training, a mentor, or specific resources to do your job better, do not be afraid to ask. If your plate is full or you are being asked to take on tasks that are not aligned with your role or priorities, it is okay to politely decline or ask for clarification on priorities.
Promote Your Achievements
In team meetings or one-on-ones with your manager, briefly highlight recent wins or improvements you’ve made. Do not wait for someone else to acknowledge your work. Share your successes, whether through regular check-ins, emails to your manager, or during team meetings. Frame your contributions in terms of how they support team initiatives, promote organizational goals, or align with the organization’s mission statement. This can be a powerful way to ensure your work is recognized.
Negotiate for Growth & Career Development
Have regular conversations with your manager about your career trajectory. Ask about opportunities for advancement, additional responsibilities, or professional development programs that can help you grow within the company. If you feel you have been contributing at a higher level or have taken on additional responsibilities, initiate a conversation about a raise or promotion. Do research on salary benchmarks for your role and prepare a case that outlines your accomplishments and why you deserve a raise or promotion.
Be Assertive, Not Aggressive
Within the workplace, be sure to advocate for yourself in a calm and confident manner. Being assertive means stating your needs or expressing your accomplishments without being passive or overly aggressive. If your requests for more responsibility, raises, or a promotion are denied, accept the feedback and remain professional. Use this as an opportunity to understand in what areas you can improve and how you can work toward those goals.
Work on Your Personal Brand
Consistently delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a positive attitude helps to build your personal brand as a reliable and dedicated professional. Also, finding ways to increase your visibility within the organization is part of self-advocacy, whether it is through leading meetings, presenting at company-wide events, or volunteering for cross-departmental projects. Take on challenging projects that align with your career goals. This not only increases your visibility but also shows you are proactive and invested in your growth within the organization.
Take Care of Your Well-being
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your work, do not hesitate to ask for support. Whether it is counseling, access to wellness programs, or simply adjusting your workload, advocating for your mental health is essential for long-term success. Advocating for your mental and physical well-being can also be accomplished by taking time for rest and setting boundaries. This may help you avoid burnout, increase your energy, and maintain a positive focus on your work.
Summary
Workplace self-advocacy is ongoing. It is not just about one conversation; it is about consistently ensuring you are seen, heard, and respected for your contributions. Be sure to advocate for yourself confidently, but remain humble and open to feedback. Do not wait for opportunities to come to you. Take the lead in creating your career path!
Raelynn F. Grasso is a Career Advising Specialist at the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ and Adjunct Psychology Professor. She has experience leading and providing individual, group, and career counseling, as well as executing and developing programs to enhance college student enrichment. Ms. Grasso’s areas of research include career decision-making, epistemic cognition, self-efficacy, and college student development. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah, an M.S. in Education Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, both from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
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