What To Do When Your Boss Doesn't Advocate For You At Work
There are very few things that leave a deeper cut as a professional than when your boss doesn’t advocate for you at work. We’ve all been there and the feeling is not something we are quick to want to experience again.
In this post, we explore what to do when your boss isn’t on your side and how you can continue to move forward and upward in your career on your own.
Signs Your Boss Isn't Advocating For You
Ideally, having a supportive boss is the foundation you want when trying to be successful in your job and ultimately, your career. But far too often, my clients are reporting to me that their number one issue at work is, you guessed, their boss!
Have you considered your relationship with your boss lately? Are they recognizing your work, including you in important discussions, or suggesting career development opportunities and support? If so, you likely have a decently supportive boss. If not, these are all signs your boss isn’t doing as much for you as you might be doing for them.
Why You Need (and Want) Your Boss’s Support
Without your boss’s support, you might miss out on opportunities for promotions, raises, or high-profile projects that could elevate your skills and visibility within the organization. Experiencing a lack of advocacy at work can keep you from being considered for key leadership roles, limiting your upward mobility.
For some, advocacy from their boss can contribute significantly to job satisfaction and happiness at work. When you're acknowledged and supported for doing a good job at work, you're more likely to feel valued and motivated in your role. Conversely, a lack of recognition and support can lead to feelings of under appreciation and disengagement.
This can create a negative cycle where reduced job satisfaction further dampens your performance and overall happiness at work. If this is happening to you now, take this as a sign to start looking for a new job, asap.
Next, let’s talk about motivation. While self-motivation is part of being a successful professional (especially in a virtual environment) bosses who advocate for their employees often inspire a sense of motivation and commitment.
When you know your efforts are recognized and championed, you're more likely to stay motivated and invested in your work. Without advocacy, your motivation can wane, impacting your productivity and the quality of your contributions.
Lastly, as a holistic coach, I can’t stress the importance of how the workplace plays a significant role in your overall well-being. If your boss doesn't advocate for you, it can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and even a decrease in self-esteem.
Over time, these emotions can spill over into your personal life, affecting your mental and emotional health. Many of my coaching clients come to coaching with increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of being stuck in their career that is now starting to impact their personal lives. This is very normal but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do about it!
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Steps to Take When Your Boss Isn't Advocating For You
Before leaving a job, or going above your boss’s head to their manager, now is the time to do some self-assessment and reflection. Take some time outside of your daily workload to evaluate your performance, contributions, and behavior in the workplace.
Ask yourself what is working, what is not working and what role your boss serves in your successes and challenges at work. Consider whether there are any areas you can improve in your role and what you want/need from your boss to get there.
Next, initiate some open communication with your boss. It will likely feel a bit weird or awkward but it needs to be done. Schedule this type of conversation outside your usual one to ones that focus on the details of work. In this meeting, you’ll want to present your professional development plan, accomplishments, goals, and your desire for increased support.
Come to the meeting with specific ways you want and need support and why those things are important to you and your success at the company. It can be hard to advocate for yourself, but this is a developed skill you will use over and over in your career- start now.
In this meeting you can also clarify expectations about your role, responsibilities, and performance expectations and your boss’s role in helping you succeed. In this conversation, try to get a good understanding of how your contributions align with the team's and company's objectives so your boss can clearly see that your success means success for the team and for them as your boss too.
Advocacy Is Hard…
I’ll be honest with you, I’m 39 years old and I’m still learning to advocate for myself at work. As opposed to waiting for an annual review, I proactively share my achievements with my boss and help them to see my impact and value before they ask for it. I’m also very strategic with volunteering for high-impact projects that really showcase my skills and dedication.
A lot of being a professional is marketing yourself and your good works- be your own #1 cheerleader so that even if you don’t have the best boss, your accomplishments speak for themselves. Trust me, every time you advocate for yourself or set a boundary, it does get a bit easier but that is not to say it is every fully easy- and that’s ok! We can do hard things in life and at work!
Marketing Your Accomplishments
Speaking of marketing yourself and your professional brand, start seeking mentors and allies at work. Connecting with colleagues, mentors, or senior leaders who can vouch for your abilities and consider you for future opportunities is arguably more important than having a boss that only sees your potential in a short-term or lower level role. Take the time to build a network of supporters who can help advance your career- it’ll pay off!
Lastly, always maintain a record of your accomplishments, responsibilities, and positive feedback to use during performance reviews and discussions with your boss. If you find you are doing everything in your power to be successful and communicate your needs to your boss and they aren’t in a place to hear you or help you, now is the time to consider whether it's worth exploring opportunities within the company or externally. A simple change of environment might provide better advocacy and growth prospects.
Final Thoughts…
I have found boss’s who aren’t good at being bosses either, one, never wanted to be a boss in the first place or two, just don’t know what employees need/want from them as a boss. So give your boss the benefit of the doubt and open up communication to see what comes of it.
If it is well received, you might have significantly changed the relationship you have with your boss (leading to a more successful career) or conversely, if it doesn’t go well and your boss is not receptive, this could be the sign you needed to start a job search. Either way- something is going to happen when you take initiative and control of your own work life and journey- be open to where it goes!
Related:
6 Powerful Signs That The Boss Interviewing You Will Care About Your Career
How To Clean Up Your Daily Routine To Prepare for Career Success
Meet The Writer!
Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com
