Own Your Success: Unlocking Confidence in Communication
In the recent webinar session of NYWICI’s Next Level You series, Leadership Development Expert Laura Weldy shared valuable insights on how women can confidently articulate their value in the workplace and unlock new career opportunities. Moderated by Jackie Hyland, Associate Director of Corporate Affairs at KPMG US, this session provided actionable strategies for professional growth and self-advocacy.
Understanding the Roots of Self-Advocacy
Laura’s passion for helping women advocate for themselves originates from her own challenges early in her corporate career. She shared, “I started to think back to some of my undergraduate studies, sociology and gender studies, and I realized that this was all tied up in the way that many of us women are socialized growing up.” This realization led Laura to uncover the societal challenges that women face in the workplace, where they are often taught to “be seen and not heard.” Through deconstructing these social norms, Laura advocates for creating a new narrative – one where women confidently communicate their hard work and what they want.
The Confident Communication Formula: ( C ) CUE
A key tool in Laura’s approach to self-advocacy is the confident communication formula, which she refers to as ( C ) CUE. This formula ensures that we regularly highlight our contributions in a way that feels both authentic and impactful.
- C (in parentheses) for Consistency: “Our talking about achievements shouldn’t be reserved simply for our annual review. We need to regularly cover this aspect of our performance.”
- C for Clarity: “This is where we establish why the person sees value in what we’re about to communicate.” Laura advises asking yourself, “Why does this matter? To whom does this matter?”
- U for Underscore: “Show why it’s worth remembering or acting upon.” For example, highlighting the concrete impact of your work, such as increased revenue or company engagement, helps ensure that your achievements stick in others’ minds.
- E for Establish Expectations: “Expectations are the one thing that separates a constructive conversation from venting.” Setting clear expectations for follow-up helps ensure your achievements translate into tangible career growth.
The Power of Consistency and Micro Deposits
A common mistake is waiting too long between self-advocacy moments, which can create unnecessary pressure when it’s time to speak up. As Laura explains, “If you’re infrequently communicating your achievements, it creates a kind of pressure where they feel obligated to give you something.” Instead, she encourages making “micro deposits” over time, so that when the time comes for a bigger conversation, it feels like a natural extension of your ongoing efforts.
Aligning Your Achievements with Company Goals
To make your contributions even more compelling, Laura stresses the importance of aligning your achievements with broader organizational goals. “If you cannot identify each of those levels of goals and priorities, you need to have a conversation with your manager to get some clarity around what those are.” By directly tying your success to the company’s mission – such as showing how a project contributes to business revenue or morale – you ensure that your work is seen within the larger context.
Documenting Wins: The Secret to Self-Advocacy
One of the most crucial strategies Laura shared is the importance of tracing your accomplishments as you go. “Create a Google doc that has the company goals, the team goals, and the department goals written out, and then underneath that every week go in and write out what you’ve achieved that week.” This ongoing documentation makes it easier to articulate your value when it’s time for performance reviews or career discussions.
The Promotion Process: Don’t Skip the Steps
Laura outlines a four-step process for career advancement that everyone should follow:
- Develop the baseline skills for your current role.
- Tell the story of how you mastered those skills.
- Shout about your achievements – without bragging.
- Socialize your accomplishments by getting support from mentors and sponsors.
The mistake, according to Laura, is skipping the storytelling step and jumping straight to networking, which leaves others without a clear sense of what you bring to the table. “You’ve got to go in this process,” she shares. “You don’t wanna skip any steps.”
The Fine Line Between Humility and Passivity
Laura offered this essential advice: “The difference between being humble and getting taken advantage of or being passive… is that humble still speaks.” She encourages women to find a balance – “Confidence speaks, it doesn’t scream.” Being confident in your contributions without coming off as arrogant or like as if you are bragging requires clarity, intention, and an awareness of the room. This is crucial for maintaining authentic communication that feels both professional and genuine.
Setting Goals for Success
Goal-setting is an essential part of career growth, and Laura recommends thinking about your goals in four categories:
- Correct Goals: Adjusting elements in your current role, such as opportunities and compensation.
- Connect Goals: Building relationships that support your effectiveness.
- Deepen Goals: Strengthening your current role, even if you’re not aiming for a promotion.
- Promotional Goals: Working backward to create the conditions for upward mobility.
Laura emphasizes the importance of aligning these goals with your manager and getting their buy-in to ensure you’re working toward something that is both achievable and fulfilling.
Be Bold and Unapologetic About Your Success
In the final takeaway of the session, Laura gave participants powerful advice: “Be bolder than you think you can be.” Your career is shaped not just by what you do, but by what others perceive you to be doing. She reminds us that, “Your career is created by what people think you do.” So, don’t be afraid to speak up about your achievements, as your career success depends on how effectively you communicate your hard work and value as a contributor.
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