From Modesty to Mastery: The Essential Role of Self-Advocacy
I want to share a personal story that underscores a critical aspect of professional growth: self-advocacy. In my previous career, self-advocacy was the area I struggled with the most.
My Journey with Self-Advocacy
Reflecting on my career, my biggest weakness was failing to effectively advocate for myself. Why didn’t I? I didn’t want to brag; I was always taught to be humble. I believed that hard work and results would advance my career on their own, and I cared deeply about what others thought of me.
This mindset led to frustration and confusion. I was often overlooked for promotions, causing me to shift strategies and, at one point, leave a company I thought I wasn't excelling in. It wasn’t until years later that my former supervisor mentioned she had considered me a strong performer. Who would have known?
In my frustration, I tried to emulate those who were being promoted or recognized, but this backfired. I wasn’t being my authentic self, and it showed. The turning point came when a direct report challenged me. He pointed out how my lack of self-advocacy was hurting the team. I always credited my team, but in the company culture I was part of, this made me look weak and hurt my credibility with certain leaders at headquarters.
When I started to advocate for myself, the results were transformative. Not only did I see significant benefits for myself, but my team also thrived. Success in self-advocacy bred success in multiple other areas, reinforcing its importance.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
As professionals, taking control of our careers is crucial. Here are some key points on why and how to effectively self-advocate:
No One Else Will Do It for You: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. Hard work and results, while important, won’t always be enough to get you noticed.
It’s Not Bragging: Self-advocacy requires a conscious and deliberate effort. Understand the difference between advocating for yourself and bragging. Advocacy is about clearly and confidently communicating your value, contributions, and ambitions.
Own Your Career: Taking ownership of your career trajectory involves setting clear goals, understanding your worth, and ensuring others are aware of your accomplishments and aspirations.
Build a Personal Brand: Advocating for yourself helps build a strong personal brand and reputation, which is valuable for both current and future career moves.
Career Advancement and Control: Self-advocacy is essential for career advancement. It allows you to take control of your career path and pursue opportunities that align with your goals.
Company Culture Matters (and it may be expected): The approach to self-advocacy may depend on your company culture. Understanding the norms and values of your organization helps you find ways to advocate for yourself that align with those expectations.
Gain More Support and Resources: By advocating for your needs and goals, you are more likely to secure the support and resources necessary to succeed, leading to further success.
Mitigate Misunderstandings: Clear self-advocacy prevents misunderstandings about your role and contributions, ensuring that your efforts are recognized and valued.
Strengthen Relationships: Effective self-advocacy can strengthen relationships within your workplace by fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Earn Respect: Self-advocacy helps you earn respect from colleagues and supervisors as they recognize your confidence and clarity in your professional role.
Impact and Benefit to the Team: When you advocate for yourself, you not only advance your own career but also highlight your team’s contributions, leading to collective success.
If you’re a supervisor, supporting your team members is crucial, but so is teaching them to self-advocate. Address the importance of self-advocacy explicitly and model the behavior. By doing so, you’ll empower your team to take charge of their careers and foster a culture of mutual support and recognition.
Be intentional and take action now. At times, self-advocacy may seem counterintuitive, especially if you’re used to being humble and letting your work speak for itself. However, in today’s competitive landscape, it’s essential to be proactive about communicating your value. By doing so, you’ll not only advance your own career but also contribute positively to your organization and team.
