Advocating For Yourself Fundamentals

Advocating for yourself fundamentals

When you consider your friends, family, or the community you're a part of, you advocate for them because you care about them. Similarly, you need to apply this same mindset to the work you do. 

Advocating for yourself can feel uncomfortable or even intimidating, but staying silent can mean missing out on opportunities, recognition, or fair treatment.

Speaking up ensures your needs, ideas, and contributions are seen and valued. 

As a VIP Communications Pass holder, this article is packed with extra tips and tools to show you how to be a more confident communicator, including videos, downloadable tips, step-by-step instructions, and more! 

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VIP Communications Pass: Advocating For Yourself Fundamentals

 

1. Ask for what you want

To advocate for yourself effectively, the first step is to ask for what you want. It may seem obvious, but oftentimes, you may assume others inherently know what you want, but the truth is, they don't. Which is why you need to be clear in your communications.

Consider the following:

• Identify Your Want - Before presenting your request to your manager, ensure you have clearly identified what you truly want. If you’re vague, it’s harder for others to understand how to support you. For example, instead of saying, “I’d like more opportunities,” you could say, “I’d like to lead the next client presentation to build my public speaking experience.” This makes your request specific, actionable, and easier for others to approve.
• Clearly Communicate - Ensure there’s no confusion about what you need or why it matters. A direct, well-phrased request shows confidence and increases the likelihood of getting a positive response. For example, instead of saying, “I feel like I should be paid more,” you could say, “Based on my recent contributions and industry benchmarks, I’m requesting a 10% salary increase.” This makes your intention and reasoning unmistakable.
• Back Up Your Ask - Bringing evidence or examples strengthens your case and shows that your request is grounded in facts, not just feelings. Demonstrating your impact with concrete results helps others see the value you bring. For example, instead of saying, “I’ve been working really hard,” you could say, “Over the past quarter, I increased client engagement by 25% and led two successful campaigns, which contributed to exceeding our sales targets.”

You can't assume your manager knows what you want; you have to ask. Without asking, you risk leaving your growth, recognition, or resources entirely to chance.

 

2. Circle Back

Asking for what you want is the first step. You are planting he seed of an idea to your manager. However, most of the time, you will need to circle back and follow up to stay top of mind.

Consider the following:

• Timing - When circling back with your manager after making a request, timing is key to keeping the conversation productive and positive. Following up too soon can come across as impatient, while waiting too long may signal that the request wasn’t important. For example, if you asked for additional training resources, you might wait until after a busy project deadline has passed to check in, ensuring your manager has the bandwidth to give your request thoughtful consideration.
• Tone - Your tone plays a crucial role in how your follow-up is received. Approaching the conversation with a respectful and collaborative tone helps keep the dialogue open and positive, rather than sounding demanding or frustrated. For example, saying, “I wanted to check in and see if there’s been any update on the project resources I requested,” shows professionalism and patience, making it easier for your manager to respond constructively.
• Restating the Value - When following up with your manager, restating the value of your request helps remind them why it matters and how it benefits the team or company. It reinforces the positive impact of approving your ask and keeps the focus on results. For example, you might say, “I wanted to follow up on my request for additional training because I believe it will help me improve my skills and contribute more effectively to our upcoming projects.” This highlights the benefits and keeps your request relevant.

You'll want to plan to ask for what you want and follow up at least twice.

 

3. Celebrate Your Wins

When you do good work, be sure to take the time to talk about it. Celebrating your wins doesn't mean throwing an actual party every time you've accomplished something. You can celebrate your wins in a subtle and simple way. 

Consider the following:

• Share Your Success - Sharing your success at work is important because it helps build your professional reputation and ensures your contributions are noticed by the right people. It can also inspire and motivate your team while opening doors for new opportunities. For example, if a client sends you an email that says, "Hey! Great job on the xyz project." You can forward that message to your manager and simply say, "FYI" or "Check this out."
• Document - Documenting your wins at work is important because it helps you recognize your progress, learn from your experiences, and build confidence over time. Keeping a record of your achievements also makes it easier to share concrete examples during performance reviews or job interviews. For example, after completing a successful campaign, you might jot down key results and strategies you used, creating a personal success portfolio to reference later.

Celebrating your wins at work is important because it boosts your motivation, reinforces positive habits, and helps you appreciate your progress.

 

4. Turning Down Requests

Your time at work is limited. You only have a certain number of hours to do the work you have to do. If you say yes to too many things, you ultimately take time away from doing things that can actually help your career. 

Consider the following:

• Be Clear & Honest - Being clear and honest when turning down a request at work is important because it helps set realistic expectations and builds trust with your colleagues. When you communicate your reasons openly, others are more likely to understand and respect your decision. For example, you might say, “I won’t be able to take on this project right now because I’m focused on meeting a critical deadline, but I’m happy to revisit this once my schedule frees up.” This honesty ensures that communication remains transparent and professional.
• Offer Alternatives - Offering alternatives when turning down a request shows that you’re willing to help and remain a team player, even if you can’t fulfill the original ask. It demonstrates problem-solving skills and fosters positive collaboration. For example, you might say, “I can’t take on this report by Friday, but I can help review it early next week or connect you with a colleague who has availability sooner.” This keeps the conversation constructive and supportive.
• Maintain Professionalism - Maintaining professionalism when declining a request at work is essential for preserving positive relationships and ensuring clear, respectful communication. Even when saying no, your tone and approach can show empathy and respect, preventing misunderstandings or hard feelings. For example, you might say, “I appreciate you thinking of me for this task, but due to my current workload, I won’t be able to take it on right now. Let’s discuss how we can manage priorities together.” This keeps the conversation courteous and collaborative.

Turning down requests and doing so with tact is a way to ensure you are advocating for yourself and protecting yourself in the workplace, so that others know your boundaries. 

By confidently expressing your ideas and requests, you take control of your career growth and build stronger professional relationships.

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