In the ever-evolving professional landscape, advocating for yourself is crucial to unlocking new opportunities. The WiT workshop “Advocating for Yourself: New Opportunities,” led by Jessica Chen, CEO of Soulcast Media, provided actionable strategies to help professionals navigate this essential skill. This webinar was part of the “Lead Powerfully, Communicate Clearly” series, a collaboration between WiT and Soulcast Media.
Jessica Chen, with her extensive background in communications, emphasizes the importance of strategic self-advocacy. Keep reading for her insights and practical advice on how professionals can advocate for new opportunities effectively.
Reflecting on Past Achievements
Before looking forward, it’s essential to reflect on the past year. Consider the following questions to evaluate your achievements and challenges:
1. What’s something great that happened to you this year?
2. What’s a challenge you overcame?
3. What’s a new skill you acquired?
4. What did you do for your career growth?
Reflecting on these questions can help you identify strengths and areas for improvement, setting a strong foundation for future goals.
Setting Goals for the New Year
For the upcoming year, set a clear intention and identify specific areas to step into. Here’s a simple exercise to help:
1. Set a One-Word Intention: Choose a word that encapsulates your goals for the year, such as “growth,” “innovation,” or “leadership.”
2. Identify Areas for Growth: Specify a role or project you want to step into.
3. Assess Benefits: Determine how this opportunity will benefit your career, such as gaining new skills, increasing visibility, or earning a promotion.
4. Name Your Project: Give your goals a name, making them tangible and actionable.
Strategies for Effective Self-Advocacy
1. Utilize the SAW Framework:
• S - Strong Case: Articulate why you’re asking for a new opportunity now. Highlight the urgency and potential impact.
• A - Align Objectives: Ensure your goals align with those of your stakeholders or organization. Address what they care about, such as budget, resources, and strategic alignment.
• W - Why You: Explain why you are the best person for this opportunity, leveraging your experience and unique skills.
2. Me to We Communication:
• Shift from focusing solely on personal benefits to emphasizing how your goals align with team or organizational success. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lead this project,” say, “Leading this project will enhance our team’s efficiency and innovation.”
Practical Applications
1. Prepare and Practice:
• Use the SAW Framework to prepare for conversations with managers or stakeholders. Practicing your pitch ensures clarity and confidence.
2. Build Visibility:
• Actively participate in meetings, volunteer for high-visibility projects, and share your successes. This increases your visibility and demonstrates your value to the organization.
3. Seek Feedback and Mentorship:
• Regularly seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine your approach. Mentorship can provide guidance and open doors to new opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges
Navigating dualities in the workplace, such as being assertive without being perceived as bossy, is a common challenge. To overcome this, focus on:
• Clear Communication: Articulate your intentions and the broader impact of your actions.
• Collaborative Language: Use “we” instead of “I” to emphasize teamwork and collective success.
Advocating for oneself requires a blend of strategic planning, clear communication, and reflective practice. By utilizing frameworks like SAW, and by setting clear, actionable goals, professionals can effectively advocate for new opportunities and drive their careers forward.
This blog is inspired by the WiT Webinar “Advocating for Yourself: New Opportunities”. Watch it on WiT’s Video Library.
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