Advocating for Yourself at Work was originally published on Elevate Sports Talent.
In the sports world, one of the most critical skills you can develop is the ability to advocate for yourself. If there is one thing that is true, it’s that no one is going to hand you anything. Most managers and companies will not be constantly thinking about you and your career growth. If you want to take that next step, you need to go and get it for yourself.
The key to doing this is effectively communicating your value. In this blog post, we will explore the art of self-advocacy.
Know Your Worth
Before you ask your manager for a raise or a promotion, you need to understand your market value. Research industry standards, benchmark your skills and experience against colleagues, and be prepared to really articulate why you deserve this next step.
If you want to ask for a raise, do some research on what other people in your role make in the industry. You can find aggregate data on this using sites like Glassdoor or, if you live in a city/state that requires salary ranges on job descriptions, you can easily see what other people in similar roles at similar companies have the potential of making. This will help you make a strong case for that raise.
Document Your Achievements
Create a portfolio that showcases your accomplishments, projects you worked on, and the impact you’ve had on your company. When asking for a promotion, you want to be able to use concrete examples of how your efforts have contributed to the organization’s success.
Spend some time creating a detailed report where you can input your projects and highlight the success that came from each. Be sure to keep track of any cost-saving measures, successful implementations, data metrics, or feedback to help you make the case for your promotion.
Choose the Right Timing
Timing is very important when you are advocating for yourself. Ideally, you want to approach these types of topics in a performance review or when the company is doing particularly well. Don’t ask for a promotion or a raise when the company is doing layoffs or if your team has just had some sort of setback.
Strategically waiting for a positive project outcome or some company success will make these conversations go much better and will offer you the best chance of it going in your favor.
Practice Effective Communication
In order to properly advocate for yourself, you need to be able to clearly articulate your achievements and aspirations. Develop a concise pitch that communicates your unique value proposition. Use assertive but respectful language to help convey your goals.
Some find it helpful to practice their pitch with a trusted friend or colleague before requesting a promotion or raise to ensure that they confidently communicate their achievements and value.
Stay Open to Feedback
Remember that your conversation goes two ways. While you are making your case for why you deserve something, you need to also stay open to feedback and constructive criticism. This not only demonstrates your commitment to growth but it also allows you to address any concerns that your manager may have.
Use this feedback to help refine your skills so you can turn a potential obstacle into a stepping stone for your career growth.
Demonstrate Continued Learning
Show your company that you are committed to professional development. Attend workshops, pursue relevant certifications, and actively seek opportunities to enhance your skills. These new learnings will show your team that you are willing to put in the extra work to refine your skills and that you are determined to grow and succeed in your field.
Mastering the art of self-advocacy is a journey that requires preparation, confidence, and effective communication. By knowing your worth, documenting achievements, choosing the right timing, practicing communication skills, staying open to feedback, and demonstrating continued learning, you can position yourself for success.
Remember, advocating for yourself is not just about personal gain – it contributes to a workplace culture that values and rewards talent, ultimately benefiting both you and your company.
Now go get that promotion, raise, or opportunity! 💪
