Empowering Yourself: The Importance of Self-Advocacy

"Neal, you are the only one that can advocate for yourself."

I remember being early in my career when I heard this advice from my good friend Dave.

Previous to telling me this, I had been venting to Dave about not being considered for a role that I had interest in and felt I would have been a good fit.

I guess at the time, I was hoping for others around me to make a suggestion that I would be awesome for the role or that I should be considered.

That didn't happen.

And so the lesson of not speaking up for myself or advocating for myself was learned the hard way.

Dave was right. 

His perspective having been a COO at a different company at the time was spot on. 

I shouldn't have expected or assumed that others would sing my praise or that others in the company would automatically think of me when it comes to a new project or role.

The only person that has control over that is... me!

Truly, only you as an individual are the person who is the most uniquely qualified to explain why you deserve what you are seeking.

So when it comes down to it - it's a good idea to make a conscientious effort to inform the proper people within your company about your interests, roles that you might want in the future, and share your unique experiences that have been beneficial to the company or team. 

I know that some people get uncomfortable and shy away from talking about their accomplishments as they are worried about being seen as selfish or self-absorbed. But, it is important within the right context and with the right people.

If you don't, you will be like me. 

Venting and complaining while having a couple bottles of Coors Light and basically being told "it's your own fault!"

Week 44 of 52