The Power of Self-advocacy in Internal Communication
For those working as in-house internal communication professionals, a recurring question often surfaces: “They’ve hired me to do a job, so why don’t they leverage my expertise?” The answer involves many components: misunderstandings about the function, misperceptions about what you do or don’t do, and bad behaviors perpetuated by your IC predecessors—just to name a few.
This is where self-advocacy comes into play. As I like to say, there isn’t room for wallflowers in IC. Well, effective IC anyway.
Self-advocacy is the ability to articulate your needs, desires, and rights, and to take action to ensure they’re recognized and addressed. For internal communication professionals, this means understanding your strengths and challenges, communicating effectively, and asserting yourself in a respectful and constructive manner. This skill is essential for demonstrating your value, achieving professional goals, accessing necessary resources, and maintaining your well-being at work.
One of the biggest traps I see IC professionals falling into is the assumption that everyone at their organization inherently knows how to effectively partner with them. Wrong. Oh, so wrong. If we don’t use self-advocacy to educate and empower others on our value, expertise, and how to best partner with us, then we should be prepared to become perpetual wallflowers.
For IC pros, self-advocacy in action looks like:
Highlighting Your Value—Clearly articulate the impact and importance of your role in fostering effective communication within the organization.
Showcasing Achievements—Demonstrating your successes and contributions, such as elevated employee engagement, streamlined communication processes, or successful internal campaigns.
Communicating Needs—Explain what resources, tools, or professional development opportunities you need to continue excelling in your role.
Building Advocates and Allies—Form strategic relationships with key stakeholders and leaders to garner support and recognition for your work.
Asserting Your Expertise—Position yourself as a subject matter expert by sharing insights, best practices, and innovative ideas that can enhance the organization’s communication strategies.
Seeking Feedback—Communication is a two-way street. Actively seek and use feedback to improve your performance and to show your commitment to continuous improvement.
Advocating for Professional Development—Make a case for investing in your growth through training, conferences, or coaching to stay current with industry trends and best practices (Read more on how to make the case for IC coaching in particular).
One way to officially launch your self-advocacy plan is through communication road shows. Road shows are critical to building awareness, understanding, and buy-in for your valuable function. It’s also a surefire way to continue solidifying your reputation as a subject matter expert. Learn more about my on-demand IC Road Show Masterclass here.
Embracing self-advocacy empowers you to take control of your professional journey. By highlighting your value and actively seeking opportunities for growth, you can ensure your contributions are recognized and your expertise is leveraged to its fullest potential. Start advocating for yourself today, and watch your influence and impact grow.
