The Art of Self-Advocacy: Why It’s Essential for Career Growth

Self-advocacy is often seen as taboo, especially in corporate spaces. Professionals are conditioned to believe that “bragging” about their accomplishments is in poor taste. Many are told to stay in their lane, keep their heads down, and trust that their work will speak for itself. But the reality? It doesn’t.

There is no greater advocate for you than you.

Every employee, regardless of their level or role, should be actively self-advocating and positioning themselves for growth. Likewise, every manager should be fostering an environment where their team members feel empowered to showcase their skills and contributions.

The key is striking a balance—self-advocacy with decorum. You don’t have to be boastful, but you do have to be intentional. You don’t have to dominate every conversation, but you do have to ensure your impact is recognized.

Here’s how employees can start advocating for themselves and how managers can support them in that journey.

3 Ways Employees Can Advocate for Themselves

1. Own Your Narrative: Don’t wait for someone else to tell your story—own it. Be prepared to articulate your achievements, strengths, and the impact of your work. Instead of saying, "I just did my job," say, "I led a project that resulted in a 20% efficiency increase for my team." Practice framing your accomplishments in a way that highlights your contributions to the business.

2. Make Strategic Visibility a Priority: Sitting quietly in meetings won’t get you noticed. Seek out opportunities to contribute valuable insights, present on key projects, and engage with senior leaders. Find ways to get your name associated with high-impact work. If you’re not being invited into key conversations, find a way in—whether through mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, or offering to lead an initiative.

3. Advocate for What You Need: Career growth doesn’t happen by accident. Speak up about the projects you want to be involved in, the skills you want to develop, and the promotions you’re working toward. Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to align on goals and progress. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.

   
   

3 Ways Managers Can Showcase Their Team’s Talent

1. Give Credit Where It’s Due: Managers should be amplifying the voices and contributions of their team members. If an employee led a successful project, acknowledge them in meetings, emails, and performance reviews. Give them opportunities to present their work rather than speaking on their behalf. A leader who shares the spotlight builds a stronger, more engaged team.

2. Create Opportunities for Growth: Great managers don’t hoard visibility—they create pathways for their employees to gain exposure. This means advocating for their team members in leadership discussions, recommending them for stretch assignments, and ensuring they have access to decision-makers who can influence their career trajectory.

3. Encourage a Culture of Self-Advocacy: If employees feel like self-advocacy is frowned upon, they’ll remain silent. Managers should actively encourage their teams to share wins, speak up in meetings, and articulate their value. Lead by example—celebrate accomplishments publicly and normalize professional self-promotion in a way that aligns with company culture.

   
   

The Bottom Line

Self-advocacy is not about arrogance—it’s about agency. Professionals who learn to articulate their value with confidence position themselves for career growth. Likewise, managers who champion their teams create stronger, more motivated employees.

The workplace is not a meritocracy—visibility matters just as much as ability. It’s time to own your success.