Creating a clear path for people to advocate for themselves in the workplace isn't always easy. Sometimes it takes another spokesperson who is willing to lead by example and encourage other employees to express their ideas, contributions or concerns freely.
A transformational leader, who is employee-focused, can also lay the groundwork for fostering transparency and open communication regarding growth and development. These leaders can coach their staff members to consider their strengths and empower them to reach their fullest potential.
Below, eight experts from Forbes Human Resources Council share how leaders can ease the comfort levels of employees who are hesitant to speak up and make others at the organization receptive to what they bring to the table.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insights.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Provide Psychological Safety
In an ideal world, people will advocate for themselves because they experience psychological safety. Pragmatically, that is easier said than done. It is imperative for leaders to show the way by advocating for their employees, conducting 1:1 meaningful dialogue and talking about their accomplishments in forums broadly across the organization. That can empower and enable self-advocacy in the organization. - Sahana Mukherjee, Citigroup
2. Lead By Example
Be the spokesperson for advocating. As a minority woman, I find that when I speak up and advocate for myself, it empowers women in my workforce to do the same. Likewise, it also encourages open dialogue in a multitude of employee development conversations. This may not have occurred unless the women felt that their thoughts mattered. - Nakisha Griffin, Neustar Security Services
3. Teach Employees To Value Their Worth
When an individual demonstrates value to the organization, people will listen. Rather than starting with "advocating for oneself," begin by showing the value. Leaders can help employees highlight their strengths and make others aware of what they bring to the table. When others see this value, they are much more receptive. - Tracy Maylett, DecisionWise
4. Listen To Engage And Take Action
Leaders can encourage employees to advocate for themselves in the workplace by being open to hearing them through actively listening. Often, leaders listen to respond versus listening to engage and absorb the information. Employees need to know that their employers hear them. You can do this by actually listening and taking action on the things they actually mentioned. - Evelyn Reed, Jacent Strategic Merchandising
5. Build Employee Trust Through Transparency
Creating an organization of trust and transparency is where it all begins. If a company is transparent with its employees, then employees feel secure. When employees feel secure in their positions and their company, they are more inclined to advocate for themselves and others. Transparency creates an open and inclusive environment for employees where they do not have a fear of speaking out or providing input. - JacLyn Pagnotta, Allied Partners
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6. Encourage Employees To Develop And Grow
Encourage employees to find clarity in what they want out of their careers. Work with employees to set goals, develop new skills and explore new career possibilities within the company. Great managers truly encourage employees to pinpoint strengths and grow, even if it means moving departments. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
7. Present A Clear Success Pattern Using KPI Data
Leaders must create KPI cultures where measurements of success are clearly defined, properly enforced and rewarded. This environment creates a clear path for their people to advocate for themselves through being able to present a clear picture of their success, which also empowers them to advocate for more accolades. Using anecdotes to advocate is more difficult than presenting cold hard facts. - Bryan Passman, Hunter + Esquire
8. Foster An 'Open Door’ Policy
Advocating is hard, but encouraging employees to speak up and reminding them that no idea is ever a bad idea is often key to an employee feeling comfortable advocating for themselves. Leaders should encourage an "open door" policy and be approachable to everyone, not just to other managers. Enable a safe space for employees to speak about the positive work that they or their direct team members have accomplished. - Heather Smith, Flimp Communications
