Self Advocacy and Thinking Outside the Box Scores
Feb 06, 2025
Who do you have this weekend, Eagles or Chiefs?
When the best teams in the NFL duke it out Sunday in the Super Bowl there will be plenty of conversation around Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs quest to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls. As for the Eagles it’s a chance to avenge a Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs just two years ago.
You know who we won’t be talking about this weekend?
The best quarterbacks in the league based on the numbers. Or the best wide receivers, or the defensive players with the most tackles, sacks or interceptions this year. Because they’re not playing on Sunday. Their teams didn’t make it to the Super Bowl.
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is the exception. We will be talking about the best running back in the league this year because he finished with the most rushing yards and the highest yards per game average.
You know what this tells me? The numbers don’t speak for themselves. If the players who did their job at the highest level based on the numbers aren’t being talked about this weekend their work doesn’t speak for itself. Neither does yours.
As someone who’s been an NFL sideline reporter for 16 seasons I know that building a great team relies on leadership and intangibles. That is one direction you can take the conversation, but for now I want to keep the focus on YOU.
You are the only one who can provide context around your work. You are in the best position to advocate for yourself. You are the one who can showcase your value and make sure your numbers, productivity, efforts don’t get lost in the shuffle of other conversations.
It's okay to talk about yourself. In fact, please do!
If that's outside your comfort zone, my new coaching program Confident Conversations can help. It's 30 days of conversation strategies and encouragement to ensure that when you get a seat at the table your voice is heard.
