In the competitive world of technology, self-advocacy is essential for career advancement, especially for Black women who are underrepresented in the UK tech industry.
How do we turn concepts like confidence, boundaries, and influence into actionable steps?
Enter the Progress Pyramid—a framework designed to help you confidently advocate for yourself, set boundaries, and build the career you deserve.
Confidence: The Foundation for Self-Advocacy for Black Women in Tech
Confidence is the bedrock of the Progress Pyramid and the cornerstone of self-advocacy - enabling Black Women to accelerate their success in tech and beyond. Without it, every step above becomes harder to sustain. True confidence isn’t about faking it; it’s about deeply knowing your worth and trusting your abilities.
To strengthen your self-belief:
Reflect on Your Achievements: Recall moments of triumph to reinforce your belief in your abilities. Reminding yourself of all you’ve accomplished so far is a quick way to build up your confidence.
Practice Affirmations: While affirmations aren’t for everyone, they’re proven to be effective. Try this one: "I deserve compassion, empathy, and respect, including from myself."
Identify Your Strengths: Write down three professional strengths and how they’ve positively impacted your career. This could be anything—your communication skills, your discipline, or your ability to remain positive.
Reflection Questions:
When am I at my best?
What self-imposed limits are holding me back?
What does living authentically in my career look like?
Boundaries: Protecting Your Time and Energy
Boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re bridges to a healthier, more sustainable career. They empower you to work effectively and live authentically, ensuring your time and energy align with your values.
Setting and maintaining boundaries is crucial for well-being and professional success. To enhance your boundary-setting skills:
Understand Boundaries vs. Requests: Reflect on the difference between a request and a boundary.
Communicate Clearly: Think of some boundaries you’ve yet to communicate.
Practice Saying "No": Role-play scenarios where you assertively but kindly decline unreasonable or unaligned requests.
Reflection Questions:
What boundaries do I need to set or communicate?
How can I ensure my boundaries support my well-being and goals?
Asking for Help: A Bold Step Towards Growth
Asking for help takes courage and humility. It’s not a sign of weakness but of strength. It shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
To become more comfortable seeking support:
Identify Areas for Support: Recognise one task you’ve been struggling with and ask a trusted colleague for their input or assistance.
Practice Self-Compassion: Adopt affirmations like, "Taking what I need isn’t selfish. Having needs is a sign of my growth."
Express Your Needs: Write down areas where you’re struggling, identify what you need, and practice articulating these needs aloud.
Reflection Questions:
What story do I tell myself about asking for help?
How can I expand my support network?
Where am I making myself smaller when I should be filling the space I’m in?
Self-Advocacy: Owning Your Voice and Influence
With confidence, clear boundaries, and a supportive network, you’re poised to advocate for yourself effectively. To enhance your self-advocacy:
Be Heard:
Bookend Meetings: When leading a meeting, start with objectives and end with takeaways to leave a lasting impact.
Contribute with Curiosity: Speak up in meetings by sharing insights or asking strategic questions like, “Have we thought about how this impacts X?”
Expand Your Influence:
Build Trust: Listen more than you speak. Be curious about others’ needs and perspectives.
Connect Outcomes to Goals: Identify what matters to your stakeholders and tie your contributions to their priorities.
Reflection Questions:
When do I find it hardest to get heard? When do I feel most confident sharing my thoughts?
What strengths can I share to increase my impact?
Who in my organisation needs what I want to be known for?
This Is Just the Beginning
The Progress Pyramid is a powerful starting point, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. True transformation takes time, reflection, and the right support. That’s where I come in.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, sign up for coaching. Together, we’ll map your path to confidence, influence, and success—on your terms.
Your journey starts here. Are you ready to take the first step?
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