The Career Raven Weekly: The Power of Self-Advocacy: Talking About Your Wins Without Bragging
Hello, Career Raven Coven!
Self-advocacy is a crucial skill, but it can feel uncomfortable, especially when it comes to talking about your achievements. You don’t want to come off as boastful, but you also need to ensure that your accomplishments are recognized. This week, we’re diving into how to advocate for yourself and talk about your wins without feeling like you’re bragging.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters
If you want to move forward in your career, it’s essential that others know about the value you bring. Self-advocacy allows you to showcase your contributions, highlight your strengths, and ensure you’re being considered for future opportunities, promotions, or raises.
How to Advocate for Yourself Without Bragging
Focus on Results, Not Just Effort
Talk about your work's impact, not just the effort you put in. Be specific about how your actions have contributed to team or company goals.
Example: “I led the initiative that resulted in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction scores.”
Share Credit When Possible
While it’s important to advocate for yourself, also share credit with your team when appropriate. This shows that you’re a team player and highlights your leadership abilities.
Use Data to Back Up Your Achievements
When possible, use data and metrics to showcase your accomplishments. Numbers speak for themselves and make your successes more tangible.
Example: “My efforts in streamlining the process reduced operational costs by 15%.”
Be Confident, Not Arrogant
Speak with confidence about your contributions without overhyping them. Keep your tone professional and avoid exaggerating.
Practice framing your achievements in a way that shows humility while also asserting your value.
Advocate in the Right Context
Self-advocacy should happen in the right settings, during performance reviews, team meetings, or one-on-ones with your manager.
Find natural opportunities to discuss your achievements, and always tie them to the broader goals of the team or organization.
Action Steps:
Write down three key achievements you’ve made in the past quarter and prepare to share them in your next one-on-one or performance review.
Practice framing your successes in a way that highlights the impact and results.
This Week’s Challenge:
This week, I challenge you to share one recent achievement with your manager or colleague in a humble and confident way. Practice self-advocacy, and notice how it feels!
Need Help?
If you need guidance on how to self-advocate effectively or frame your wins, I’m here to help. Let’s practice together and get you ready to advocate for your career.
Coming Next Week:
Next week, we’ll focus on Finding and Seizing Growth Opportunities at Work—how to identify and take advantage of opportunities to grow and advance.
Stay tuned and keep soaring!
With Empowerment and Strategy,
Jen DeLorenzo
Career Coach & Reverse Recruiter
