One way that I have found useful to advocate for myself is to learn to speak up. Yes, silence is golden but when it comes to growing your career you must be willing to 'market' yourself. Blow your own trumpet so to speak. Recently I got a globally recognised certification and I made sure to inform my boss and have copies filed in my records. I have gotten speaking engagements for this reason and an opportunity to serve as a resource person in another higher institution. Be bold about speaking of your growth, wins and achievements.

One thing to do to advocate for yourself and your career goals with your boss in a Higher Education setting is to recognize your objectives. To do so you should have clarity and be frank with yourself. Ask yourself what you want out of your career. What were the goals you set for yourself once you decided to start this career. Then you should learn how to advocate yourself as an employee in higher education to reach your goals. Next step is Your struggle with navigating the challenges of working in an environment which deals with higher education. You should stand out for your goals.

Keep in mind that your boss has one side of the story and most of the time it’s not yours. Therefore, you need to present your side of the story and document it. More at davidboje.com.

Give a brief introduction outlining your concerns. Describe the impact the issue has had on you personally. Give solutions and/or ask for a commitment to a specific action. Thank the person for any past positive actions they have taken.

🌟 "In the workplace, the key to success is understanding and respecting differing opinions. Let the stubborn cling to their hypotheses and let your results speak for you. Perform like a true professional!" 🌟

This evidence, ideally, also shows how your achievements align with your institution's overall mission and vision, rendering your achievements crucial and making you an asset for your institution. By gathering, quantifying, and reporting these achievements you increase your agency within your environment. That would open up additional opportunities in the form of regular small projects or big milestones for you to explore.

🌟 "From small ideas, great projects are born. Never doubt your abilities, because every step you take brings you closer to achieving your biggest dreams." 💡🚀

Timing is key. Truth told at an inappropriate moment , ignoring boss’s bad moments, etc., can never bring forth good fruit. Regret will follow and it’ll be too late then.

💼 "Choosing the right time to discuss your professional goals is crucial. 🕰️ Look for a moment when your boss isn't overwhelmed with other responsibilities, maybe after a successful project completion or at the start of a semester. 🚀 Avoid peak times, like exam seasons or the end of the fiscal year. 📊 A timely conversation can ensure your boss is more receptive to your aspirations and has the mental bandwidth to consider your proposals carefully." 🌟

💬 "Clear communication is key in any promotion effort. 🗝️ When discussing your professional goals with your boss, be concise yet thorough. Explain not only what you want, but also why it is important for your growth and how it can benefit the department or institution. 🌟 Avoid jargon and be prepared to answer questions or provide more details if needed. 🤔 It is also important to actively listen to your boss's feedback or concerns and respond thoughtfully." 🎯

💬 Instead of just presenting problems, coming with solutions shows proactivity and commitment. 🌟 Additionally, aligning your proposals with institutional goals and showing how they can benefit everyone is key to mutual growth. 🚀 Initiative and preparation always make a difference! 💼👍