Denise Kaigler’s Post

Weekend read - How can speaking up and holding on to your convictions make you a better collaborator? This article explains how you can be a better team member by developing self advocacy.

Why Self-Advocacy Can Help You Become An Invaluable Collaborator This article was originally posted on Forbes by Kate Vitasek. Read the article here:

Advocating for yourself isn’t selfish yet, for a long time, I thought it was. Asking for help or speaking up about what I needed felt like drawing too much attention to myself, and I worried about being seen as difficult or needy. But here’s the truth: Self-advocacy isn’t about being selfish—it’s about recognizing your worth and understanding that your needs matter, just like everyone else’s. If you’ve felt this way too, you’re not alone. Self-advocacy can feel scary, especially in the workplace, but it’s an important skill that benefits you and your organization. Here are a few ideas when it comes to self-advocacy at work: - Know your needs and your values: Reflect on what you need to succeed and the strengths you bring to the team. Confidence starts with clarity. - Communicate with clarity and respect: Approach conversations about your needs as collaborative problem-solving, not demands. Frame it as a way to enhance your contributions. - See self-advocacy as a ripple effect: When you speak up for yourself, you not only help your own situation but also encourage a culture where others feel safe advocating for themselves. Self-advocacy isn’t selfish, it’s an act of courage and self-respect. What’s one thing that’s helped you advocate for yourself at work?

The Power of Asking for More One thing I’ve learned is that people often assume you’re content if you’re doing your job well. They see you handling your responsibilities and assume you don’t need anything more, but that’s not always the case. It’s so important to build the habit of asking—whether it’s for a better opportunity, more support, or just feedback. No one knows what you need better than you do. If you’re looking for growth, a better role, or more resources, don’t be afraid to voice it. Remember, you’re your best advocate. Sometimes, all it takes is speaking up to open new doors. Don’t let assumptions keep you from reaching the next level. #CareerGrowth #Advocacy #SpeakUp #Opportunities

Speak Up & Be Heard: Why Advocacy Isn't Arrogance on LinkedIn In today's professional landscape, strong communication is key. But what about advocating for yourself? Is it seen as boasting, or worse, bragging? Not! Here's why speaking up for yourself is a sign of strength, not arrogance: It Demonstrates Confidence: Sharing your ideas and contributions shows you believe in your value. This self-assuredness inspires trust and leadership potential. It Creates Opportunities: Staying silent can leave you overlooked. Speaking up about your achievements and goals positions you for recognition and advancement. It Fuels Innovation: Diverse perspectives are crucial for progress. When you share your unique ideas, you contribute to a richer problem-solving environment. So, how can you advocate effectively? Focus on Value: Frame your achievements in terms of how they benefited the company or project. Be Data-Driven: Back up your claims with quantifiable results to build credibility. Practice Assertiveness: State your needs and opinions confidently while remaining respectful towards colleagues. Remember: Your voice matters. Your contributions deserve recognition. Speaking up empowers not only you but also your team and company. Don't be afraid to raise your hand and share your expertise. It's a sign of a strong professional, not a show-off! #SpeakUp #Advocacy #ProfessionalDevelopment #Confidence #CareerGrowth

In the corporate world, it's essential to advocate for what you need. If you don't, someone else might achieve more by doing less. Don't hesitate to speak up and ensure your efforts are recognized. #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #AdvocateForYourself

Develop your self-advocacy skills to be a better team player. Communication, transparency, and aligned goals are essential to being an effective collaborator. Discover more ways to amp up your self-advocacy: https://lnkd.in/gSBJxj-f #selfadvocacy #communication #transparency #reacHIRE

It's YOUR job to advocate for YOU. So many people want to be known simply by their work. They're hoping if they do enough well, they'll finally be recognized. Unfortunately, that's not the way the work world is going these days. You have to KNOW your value ... Be able to COMMUNICATE your value ... And speak up! Not sure how to do that? I've got some ideas: https://lnkd.in/giA_JZJY #RebeccaMartinCoaching #SpeakUp #ConfidentCommunication #AdvocateForYou

We have a right to expect professionals to be professional. You cannot expect us to do what you won't or don't think you have to. What is so sad is that when users had independent advocacy that was accepted by the sector - it led to users feeling you listened - it led to more resolution and it made the sector better because if you think that you can assess what is broken yourselves then we would not be in this mess. Everything is linked to how users see you. You can throw out who you want funders to see you but users know the truth. I think most of my people don't feel they can challenge or don't know what that looks like or how it can be done - how can you challenge using a complaint policy and process that is weighted against you because it is such an unequal power balance when you have vital things that might be at risk.

Empower yourself through self-advocacy. Discover more about it in my archived article.