Learning how to advocate for yourself at work
It’s 5:45PM on a Friday, and your inbox is overflowing. A colleague just dropped a “quick question” that will undoubtedly turn into an hour-long detour, and your manager just pinged you about a new, urgent project with a deadline that seems physically impossible. You feel that familiar knot of anxiety tightening in your stomach. Your brain screams, “No! I can’t take on anything else!” but your mouth automatically forms the words, “Sure, I can look into that.”
You’re not alone. Many of us have been in this exact situation or similar ones, silently battling the urge to say “no” or ask for help, fearing we’ll appear uncooperative, incapable, or not a "team player." The struggle to prioritise our own needs and communicate them effectively is a common challenge in the workplace. But what if there was a way with which you could navigate these situations with confidence, ensuring your well-being and professional growth aren't sacrificed? That’s where self-advocacy comes in.
The importance of self-advocacy at work
Often misunderstood as selfish or unprofessional, self-advocacy is, in fact, a crucial skill for thriving in any professional environment. At its core, self-advocacy means making your own wants and needs a priority. It's about knowing your rights, effectively communicating those rights to others, and taking proactive steps to support your own well-being and career progression. It’s not about being aggressive or demanding; it’s about being assertive and respectful of both yourself and others.
When you advocate for yourself, you create a healthier, more sustainable work experience, prevent burnout, and open doors to new opportunities. So, if you're ready to shift from silently struggling to confidently communicating, here are four powerful ways you can start advocating for yourself at work.
4 ways to advocate for yourself at work
1. Ask for help when you need it – don’t be shy!
One of the biggest hurdles to self-advocacy is the misconception that asking for help is a sign of weakness or incompetence. In reality, the opposite is true. Asking for help demonstrates self-awareness, an understanding of your limitations, and a commitment to producing quality work. It shows that you value efficiency and are proactive in finding solutions rather than allowing a problem to fester. Think about it: would you rather a colleague struggle silently and miss a deadline, or ask for clarification or assistance to ensure the task is completed successfully?
Yet, the fear of appearing incapable often leads us to take on more than we can handle, leading to stress, diminished quality of work, and ultimately, burnout. Breaking this cycle starts with acknowledging that you don't have to know everything or do things perfectly all the time.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or simply need an extra pair of hands, speak up. This could involve asking for clarification on a task, seeking guidance on a new project, or requesting support when you're facing an unmanageable workload. Be specific about what you need and why you need it. For instance, instead of saying, "I can't do this," try:
"I'm having trouble with X; could you offer some guidance on Y?"
"I'm currently at capacity with projects A, B, and C. If you need me to take on D, could we discuss prioritising or reallocating some of my current tasks?"
Remember, your colleagues and managers are often more willing to help than you might think, and their support can be invaluable.
2. Make your voice heard
How many times have you sat in a meeting, brimming with an idea or a solution, only to keep it to yourself to avoid disrupting the flow, or simply to be "polite"? The fear of being perceived as pushy, or worse, incorrect, often silences valuable contributions. However, holding yourself back prevents your unique perspective from being heard and can limit your professional growth.
Making your voice heard means actively participating in discussions, sharing your opinions respectfully, and offering constructive feedback. It’s about engaging, not just observing. This isn't about dominating conversations or being argumentative; it's about confidently expressing your thoughts, even when they differ from the prevailing opinion.
Practise articulating your ideas clearly and concisely. If you're nervous about speaking up in larger group settings, start by offering your thoughts in smaller team meetings or one-on-one conversations. Prepare what you want to say beforehand to boost your confidence.
Remember, diverse perspectives lead to better solutions, and your unique voice is an essential component of that diversity. Don't hold yourself back for the sake of politeness; instead, empower yourself to contribute fully.
3. Communicate your boundaries to others
In the modern workplace, the lines between work and personal life can often blur, thanks to constant connectivity and the expectation of immediate responses. Without clear boundaries, you risk sacrificing your personal time, mental health, and overall well-being. Communicating your boundaries is not about being rigid or uncooperative; it's about establishing healthy limits that allow you to perform your best at work while also maintaining a fulfilling life outside of it.
This could involve defining your working hours and sticking to them, indicating when you're unavailable for calls or emails in your calendar, or declining meetings that fall outside your designated work time. It’s also about setting expectations for communication. For example, you might let colleagues know that while you appreciate urgent messages, you will respond to non-urgent emails during business hours. When communicating boundaries, be clear, firm, and polite. For example:
"I'm happy to help with that, but I won't be available after 6 PM today as I have a prior commitment."
"I'm currently focused on X and will be able to get to Y on Z day."
While it might feel uncomfortable at first, establishing and maintaining boundaries demonstrates self-respect and teaches others how to respect your time and energy. It ultimately leads to a more balanced and sustainable work-life integration.
4. Make allies to strengthen your network.
Self-advocacy doesn't mean going at it alone. In fact, building a strong network of allies is a powerful way to bolster your self-advocacy efforts. These allies can provide support, offer different perspectives, and even advocate on your behalf when you might find it difficult to do so yourself. Look for individuals who can serve as mentors, sponsors, or trusted peers:
A mentor is someone who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path. They can provide valuable insights into organisational dynamics and help you develop new skills.
A sponsor is someone who actively advocates for you and your career advancement. They are often more senior individuals who can open doors to opportunities, speak highly of your abilities, and champion your growth within the organisation.
Finally, having peers you can trust to have your back is essential. These are colleagues who understand your daily challenges, can offer emotional support, and with whom you can share honest feedback and experiences. They can also be a source of collaboration and mutual support when navigating difficult situations.
Actively cultivate these relationships by offering your support in return, being a good listener, and demonstrating reliability. A strong network not only provides a safety net but also amplifies your voice and increases your overall impact within your organisation.
Final words
Learning to advocate for yourself at work is an ongoing journey that requires self-awareness, courage, and consistent practice. It’s about learning to recognise your value, communicate your needs, and build a supportive ecosystem around you. By embracing these four strategies – asking for help, making your voice heard, communicating your boundaries, and making allies – you'll not only create a more fulfilling and sustainable work experience but also pave the way for greater professional success and personal well-being. So, the next time that familiar knot of anxiety tightens, remember: you have the power to advocate for yourself, and in doing so, you empower your best professional self.