Jesse here! Today, we're diving into something that may sound a bit mysterious but is super important: advocating for yourself. You might have heard people say, “Just be yourself,” or in this case, “Just advocate for yourself.” But what does that really mean?

Understanding Self-Advocacy

Firstly, advocating for yourself means speaking up and making sure your needs and ideas are heard. It's not about being a bragger, even though it might feel like that sometimes. It's about making sure you and your team are recognized for your hard work, especially in a field like construction where leadership and influence are key.

Feeling the Struggle

A lot of people, including me, have this inner voice that stops us from speaking up. Feeling like self-advocacy is the same as bragging, stems from our upbringing or societal pressures. But let me tell you, it's okay to be a little uncomfortable. That discomfort is your guide toward continuous improvement.

Keep It Real: Practical Tips for Construction Pros

Now, let's talk about some real-life strategies that you can use to improve your improve your team through effective communication and leadership:

1. The Boss's Question Technique

Bosses are pretty good at asking, “Is there anything I can do for you?” Instead of brushing it off with a “Oh, all good!”, use this as your moment to shine. Prepare a meaningful response that advocates for your needs and showcases your dedication to your team’s quality and productivity.

2. Cheat Codes for Self-Advocacy:

When those opportunities come to speak up for yourself, use them wisely. Be ready with specific tasks or projects you'd like new support on. For instance, if you’ve been handling a lot of new initiatives, ask for those to be assigned elsewhere next time. This subtle No Thank You can highlight how much you've already taken on.

3. Building Your Advocacy Muscles

 Think of self-advocacy like building a muscle. It takes time and effort. Try these practices:

   - Practice Makes Perfect: Start small with colleagues you trust.

   - Be Honest: Share what you and your team truly need to excel.

   - Set Goals: Whether it’s getting credit for work done or leading a new project, set clear advocacy goals.

Do the Damn Thing: Open and Honest Communication

For continuous improvement in business, prioritize open communication. Schedule regular team meetings where everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts. Build an environment where it feels safe to communicate both successes and challenges. This approach will boost your leadership and influence.

Closing Thoughts

Advocating for yourself takes guts and practice. But remember, it's not just about benefiting you; it's about ensuring your team thrives too. Take a moment today to reflect on how you can use these strategies to improve communication and leadership in the circles you run in.

Until next time, keep cool, keep building, and remember that your voice matters. Let's influence change together! 

Peace✌️