Let’s be honest—speaking up for yourself at work can feel weird. You want to be taken seriously, but you don’t want to sound like you’re bragging or demanding. Maybe you’ve been told to “advocate for yourself more,” but no one explained exactly how to do that without feeling like the office spotlight is blinding you.
The good news? Advocating for yourself doesn’t mean turning into someone you’re not. It just means learning how to communicate your value, set boundaries, and ask for what you need—in a way that feels natural and respectful.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, struggling with workload balance, or just trying to get recognition for your work, here are practical tips to help you speak up confidently and comfortably.
Why Self-Advocacy at Work Matters
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”
Advocating for yourself at work is essential for career growth, job satisfaction, and mental wellness. When you don’t speak up, people might assume you’re fine with the status quo—even if you’re burning out, feeling overlooked, or craving new challenges.
Self-advocacy is not selfish. It’s about taking ownership of your professional life and ensuring your voice is heard. And when done right, it actually strengthens relationships and builds trust.
1. Know What You Bring to the Table
If the idea of “tooting your own horn” makes you cringe, start by getting clear on your value.
Make a list of:
- Projects you’ve led or supported
- Results you’ve contributed to
- Feedback you’ve received
- Skills you’ve mastered or improved
You’re not just “doing your job”—you’re making a difference. Having this list ready gives you talking points you can use in conversations with your manager or team.
Pro tip: Keep a running list of your “wins” so you’re never scrambling before a performance review or promotion conversation.
2. Reframe How You See Advocacy
Instead of thinking of advocacy as bragging, think of it as information-sharing. You’re simply keeping people in the loop about what you’re working on, how it’s going, and what support you might need.
Try phrases like:
- “Just wanted to update you on the progress of X…”
- “I noticed we’ve been getting great results with Y—happy to share what’s working if helpful.”
- “I’d love to discuss some ideas I have for Z.”
These statements are low-pressure but show initiative, awareness, and impact.
3. Practice Assertive Communication
Assertiveness is the sweet spot between passive and aggressive. It’s respectful, clear, and direct. If that sounds hard, think of it like this: assertive communication is just saying what you mean without being mean.
Here’s how it looks in action:
- Instead of: “Sorry, but I don’t think I can do that.”
Try: “I’d like to help, but I’m at capacity right now. Can we prioritize?” - Instead of: “I guess I was hoping for more feedback?”
Try: “I’d really appreciate some feedback on my recent work so I can continue improving.”
See the difference? You’re not being rude. You’re being real.
4. Ask for What You Want—Clearly
Waiting for your boss to read your mind is a losing game. If you want a raise, more responsibility, or flexible hours, you’ve got to ask.
Here’s how to frame it:
- Be specific: “I’d like to discuss the possibility of moving into a senior role within the next 6 months.”
- Provide context: “Here’s what I’ve accomplished and how I’ve added value.”
- Suggest a solution: “Would it be possible to set up a meeting to talk through next steps?”
Timing matters too—aim for regular check-ins, performance reviews, or project wrap-ups when your contributions are fresh and top of mind.
5. Build Relationships with Allies
Self-advocacy doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Having allies—people who know your work and can vouch for you—makes a huge difference.
These could be:
- Mentors who help guide your growth
- Coworkers who collaborate and support you
- Managers who trust your work
Be a good teammate, give credit where it’s due, and celebrate wins together. When you advocate for yourself, these folks are more likely to echo your message and back you up.
6. Get Comfortable with Discomfort (Just a Little)
Here’s the truth: speaking up might still feel awkward at first. That’s okay. Discomfort is a sign you’re growing, not that you’re doing something wrong.
Start small:
- Speak up in a team meeting with an idea or update
- Ask your manager for a one-on-one to talk about goals
- Share a recent win in your team’s Slack or group chat
The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Confidence builds with repetition.
7. Advocate for Others, Too
When you lift others up, it creates a culture where advocacy is normalized. Give shoutouts to coworkers, endorse someone’s idea, or encourage a peer to go for a role you know they’d crush.
You’ll not only build goodwill—you’ll also strengthen your own voice.
You Deserve to Be Heard
Advocating for yourself at work isn’t about being loud or pushy—it’s about being clear, confident, and proactive. You know your worth. You work hard. You care about what you do.
So next time you hesitate to speak up, remember: your voice matters. Your contributions matter. And you’re allowed to take up space at the table—awkward or not.
Start small, stay steady, and let your work (and words) speak for you.
Ready to build more workplace confidence?
Check out my post on How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome next—it’s a perfect companion to mastering self-advocacy!
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