Mentors and How You Can Champion Your Cause in The Workplace
Workplaces can be odd sometimes. They’re a productive place where you can learn and excel – yet, it’s also easy to fall behind the background of your colleagues. Your needs, grievances, and emotions may become disregarded. When this happens, you can leave it to a work advocate to represent you and bring you back to the zone of visibility. But what is a work advocate, and how could it help you in the workplace? Let’s discuss this below.
What is a work advocate?
A workplace advocate, otherwise known as a Mentor, is someone who will champion your cause, actively work with you to improve your skillset and how others perceive you. A mentor in effect is someone that will campaign on your behalf. They will work hard to open doors to help you expand your career experience. Basically, their role is to raise awareness about what you bring to the table while also working closely with you to helo your skills and reach your full potential. They can also discuss your work contributions with your manager, especially if you are to take on a new role. Similarly, they can discuss your workload with your surrounding team members if you need additional assistance.
Why do I need a work advocate?
Maintaining these three things in the workplace is crucial: value, visibility, and influence. Having a work advocate increases your value so you can go up the corporate ladder easier. They can also enhance your reputation by putting in a good word for you, especially if you’re aiming for higher-profile roles or projects.
How can I find a work advocate in our workplace?
Look around you. Surprisingly, you don’t have to look far for an advocate. It could be your coworker, someone on the same level as you or someone higher up in the organisation, such as a supervisor or manager. However, it’s better to go for someone you know or have a close working relationship with. They know what you bring to the table and can represent you better.
Build a network. Your network is your power; remember that. Having one or two mentoring alliances at work can lay the groundwork for a strong network. As you network with others, try to learn more about people outside your department. This way, you can find more people who can advocate for you.
Advocate for yourself first. You also need to know what you can do and represent yourself before anyone else. Map out your goals first before communicating them to your potential advocates. People are more likely to invest in your success if they see you pursuing specific goals that are both ambitious and achievable. It’s much more challenging to advocate for someone unsure of what they want to achieve.
