Many people do not have or utilize the skill of advocating for themselves often. It requires boldness and healthy self-esteem, which can make it difficult for introverts, shy people, and those with low self-worth or imposter syndrome. Self-advocacy is important in every area of life, including the workplace. However, you have to believe you deserve what you want to be able to self-advocate. Therefore, in this article, you will learn how to practice self-advocacy and elevate your career.
What is Self-Advocacy?
Self-advocacy is the act of representing yourself, your views, needs, and interests. The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) defines it as the ability to communicate important things to you. For people with disabilities, self-advocacy means you can confidently explain what you need and why. Self-advocacy is characterized by three elements:
- Understanding your needs.
- Knowing what kind of support might help.
- Communicating these needs to others.
Benefits of Self-Advocacy
Self-advocacy has several benefits. It helps you communicate your needs and rights clearly so that changes can be made. For example, speaking against workplace bullying and harassment or asking for a raise are examples of self-advocacy. When you speak out about these things, you can kickstart a change. Self-advocacy also helps to create a conducive work environment. It enables you to set boundaries that protect your mental and physical health. It also protects you from toxic and harmful practices.
Self-advocacy also elevates your career. According to this survey, 60% of the workforce would rather leave due to dissatisfaction at work. However, you will benefit more from speaking out than leaving your job. You can get promotions, raises, and bonuses when you communicate your dissatisfaction instead of bottling them up or hoping something changes. Your self-advocacy can also help others in the workplace. They can benefit from a less toxic environment, more considerate bosses and managers, and more cooperative co-workers.
How to Practice Self-Advocacy
Know Your Needs
To practice self-advocacy effectively, you must know what you need. What changes would you like to see in your workplace? Is it a raise? Is it a better work culture and care for employees? Once you figure out your needs, you can move to the next step.
Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses gives you room for negotiation. You can present your best foot, so you have a better chance of a positive answer when you speak out. It will also improve your self-esteem. Additionally, you can work on your weaknesses when you are self-aware. This way, you won’t contribute to making work uncomfortable for others.
Know Your Rights
There are basic rights every employee is entitled to in the workplace. Knowing these will enable you to confidently ask for what you are entitled to. Find out the legal protections and benefits you deserve and the company’s responsibilities toward you.
Self-Advocate Respectfully and Politely
In your bid to self-advocate, you must ensure you communicate your needs and interests respectfully. Don’t be confrontational or aggressive when speaking out. You should also see to it that you are not trampling on the rights and opinions of others. You may need to compromise or negotiate to achieve your goals. You want to keep the environment friendly and conducive for work.
Be Assertive
Don’t sacrifice boldness for politeness. Be direct when making your requests so your co-workers or bosses can take you seriously. You can practice being assertive before you make your request so you can have some boldness before addressing the issue at your workplace.
Self-advocacy will make your work more rewarding. You will have a more satisfying experience at work and better work relationships. Following these tips will ensure that you can self-advocate and elevate your career.
#Clique, do you stand up for yourself at work? How do you advocate for yourself and maintain optimum levels in your career? Let us know in the comments.
