Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace x Shanice

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In the fast-paced and competitive world of work (especially corporate), advocating for ourselves is not just a luxury but a necessity. Gem, it's time to shed the notion that self-advocacy is selfish or boastful. It's time to embrace our worth, speak up, and take ownership of our careers. By advocating for ourselves, we create a path to personal success and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive work environment. 

Hear me out on some key points I’d love for you to consider.

Know Your Worth:

Oh, this is the most important one, so you know I had to start with it. The first step in advocating for ourselves is recognizing our worth. Period! Please understand and appreciate your unique skills, experiences, and contributions. Don't downplay your achievements or settle for less than you deserve. Embrace your value and let it be the driving force behind your journey. Because if you don’t, people and life will drain you. I’m sure we’ve all had these moments, and yes, sometimes we may slip on our boundaries, but let’s vow to set mental reminders for ourselves. The bottom line is you’re worthy!

Set Clear Goals:

To be effective, setting clear goals and defining what you want to achieve in your career is crucial. Be specific about your aspirations, whether a promotion, a salary increase, or a challenging project. Having well-defined goals lets you articulate your needs confidently and make compelling cases. Now, I know this is not easy to do. It’s nerve-wracking, but we should make it mandatory for ourselves. 

I’m grateful to have a supervisor who hears and sees me, and I genuinely wish that on all of us. She cares whether I’m struggling with something inside or outside of work. She allies with her team, uplifts us, gives us grace when we’re burnt out, encourages our businesses and hobbies outside the company, and the list continues. Shoutout to Jackie!

Listen, Gem. This is what we all deserve. Finding and acquiring it may take some time, but that’s why I’m here. To remind you to keep going. To remind you to set goals, stick to them, and not settle for anything less.

Cultivate Self-Confidence:

Self-confidence is the fuel that powers successful self-advocacy. Believe in your abilities, trust your instincts, and let your confidence radiate in every interaction. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and don't let setbacks deter you from pursuing your goals, ever. Remember, you can achieve greatness, and your confidence will inspire others to believe in you, too.

Communicate Effectively:

Gem, you should know by now that I’m keen on being transparent, so I have to be honest and let you know that I’m still working on mastering this. However, we should articulate our thoughts, ideas, and needs respectfully and assertively. It’s pivotal for us to be prepared to back our claims with evidence and examples that highlight our value and impact. Most importantly, active listening enables us to understand others' perspectives and adequately address any concerns or objections.

Seek Opportunities for Growth:

Advocating for yourself goes beyond asking for what you want. It also involves actively seeking opportunities for growth and development. Take the initiative to learn new skills, perhaps attend relevant workshops or conferences, and network with professionals in your field. By continuously investing in your personal and professional growth, you enrich your career and strengthen your case for advancement. At this point, they should be trying to impress us, right?

I’m wrapping this up, Gem, but here’s the conclusion. Advocating for yourself in the workplace is not an act of selfishness but an act of empowerment. You can navigate your career path with intention and purpose by recognizing your worth, setting clear goals, cultivating self-confidence, and communicating effectively. Please remember that your advocacy benefits you and paves the way for a more supportive and inclusive work environment. Especially as women. Especially as Black women. So, unleash your power, advocate for yourself, and inspire others to do the same.

Sending you good vibrations and immense love. -S

Photo Cred: Pinterest

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