These 5 Unintentional Mistakes Sabotage Your Power at Work

Your ability to get things done in the workplace plays an important role in your career advancement. But even as you grow your career and build your power at work, you may unconsciously do things that diminish your influence and authority. These missteps can include shying away from advocating for yourself, allowing a situation or person to influence your feelings, and putting other people’s priorities before your own. 

I learned the hard way in my career what it means to unintentionally give away your power. Now, I coach clients how to navigate these situations with strength and grace. The good news is that you can regain your power—and the first step is understanding how you may be negatively affecting your own success.

Here are five mistakes you may be making that unintentionally give away your power at work—and how to get it back. 

HOLDING BACK ON SHARING YOUR IDEAS 

It can feel uncomfortable to share your thoughts and ideas at work, especially when you’re unsure how they will be received. In some cases, your boss may not ask for your feedback or ideas, and you have to choose whether you want to share them anyway. Remember you were hired for a reason and you are your own best advocate. When a topic feels important to you or the team’s progress, practice speaking up. In the best-case scenario, you may be able to influence other people’s perspectives or work outcomes. Even if your boss doesn’t respond with interest to your idea, you’ll know you did what felt right.

PEOPLE PLEASING 

People pleasers have a drive to help, which often makes them model employees and stellar friends, because they’re willing to say “yes” to projects and care deeply about how other people feel. However, if you spend all of your time caring for others—or about what others may think—you’ll barely have any time and energy left for yourself. Over time, you may feel resentful or undervalued. Focus on prioritizing your work and yourself first so that you can then serve others. This prioritization can help you share your power in a way that also preserves your well-being.

ALWAYS REACTING EMOTIONALLY 

It can be difficult to manage your emotions in the workplace. When we try to suppress our true feelings we limit part of ourselves at work. On the other hand, when we allow other people’s decisions, words, and reactions to influence our emotions, we unintentionally let other people control us. To effectively manage an emotional situation at work, try approaching it as an observer from afar. Ask yourself: What is happening in this situation? What are you feeling? What can you control? In situations where you may feel like everything is happening to you, it’s powerful to remember what you can control: yourself.

NOT LETTING THINGS GO 

High achievers are typically accustomed to being able to manage many things simultaneously at work. Being an excellent team member or people leader, though, requires you to let some things go. What this looks like at work can range from letting go of high expectations when delegating a project, the need to do everything yourself, discomfort around asking for help, or feelings of frustration or anger. Choose to reframe what it means to let go as a way to focus on your best and highest use of time. It’s important to let things go at the end of the workday, too—so you can show up as your best self for the people who matter most to you.

BELIEVING YOUR WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF 

When you’re achieving great things at work, you may expect that your work will be noticed by others. It might be—but that doesn’t mean you can leave it up to others to acknowledge your accomplishments. Your ability to advocate for your work affects your career growth and financial outcomes. In the absence of , others won’t hesitate to speak about theirs. It’s up to you to make your work known by sharing your wins and progress with your boss in ongoing conversations and one-to-one meetings.

Understanding your power and how to leverage it in the workplace can help you achieve your professional goals. And with this power, you can achieve another valuable outcome: help others rise with you.

This article was originally published in Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/90979534/these-5-unintentional-mistakes-sabotage-your-power-at-work