The Self-Advocacy Gap
When you work in HR (as I do), you have no trouble spotting potential in others. You know who’s ready for the next step, who’s being spoken about positively in succession conversations, and how to champion someone’s strengths in performance reviews or talent discussions.
You do it naturally…for everyone else.
But when it comes to your own career, you quietly hope that someone is doing the same for you.
You might assume that your contribution is obvious because you work diligently, produce results and your steady competence keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. It’s only a matter of time until your hard work gets recognised, right?
Not necessarily.
Unless you’re actively advocating for yourself, it’s easy to be overlooked.
If you’ve ever watched a louder, less experienced colleague get picked for a promotion or high-visibility project while you’re left wondering what you’re doing wrong, you’re not alone.
It’s not that you’re not doing enough.
It’s that self-advocacy is the missing piece.
Redefining what self-advocacy looks like for introverts
It’s understandable that you might want to shy away from advocating for yourself because it feels like bragging or drawing attention to yourself.
But it doesn’t have to.
Self-advocacy can look like:
Preparing a few key points to share during 1:1s or check-ins
Sending a well-crafted email update highlighting your impact
Asking a trusted colleague to acknowledge your role in a team win
Seeking feedback to reinforce your contributions
It’s about using your natural strengths - preparation, insight, thoughtfulness - to make your work and your intentions known.
Who is in Your Corner?
Many introverts put all their hope in their manager to notice, develop, and promote them. While a supportive manager can be a powerful ally, they’re not your only potential advocate.
You can also build relationships with:
Mentors – who guide you and help you grow
Sponsors – who advocate for you behind closed doors
Peers – who collaborate with you and can vouch for your strengths
Cross-functional partners – who can amplify your reputation beyond your immediate team
You don’t need to network widely - just intentionally.
However…
Even with external advocates, your career progress begins with you.
That means:
Owning your value – Know what you bring to the table and be able to articulate it
Tracking your wins – Keep a weekly log of what you’ve accomplished, big or small
Clarifying your goals – Know what you want next, so you can advocate in a focused way
Practicing visibility – Look for small, aligned ways to show up, such as sharing ideas in writing or volunteering for a role that fits your strengths
Advocating for yourself isn’t about being pushy - it’s about being intentional.
How comfortable are you with advocating for yourself?
Curating Your Quiet Ambassador Toolkit is just one of the elements we cover in my signature coaching programme, Quiet Confidence. Together we explore the ways you feel most comfortable advocating for yourself and who you need in your corner before bringing together the tools and strategies to showcase your true value without overwhelming yourself.
Contact me to find out more via hello@heatherhillcoaching.com