Finding Your Voice: How Athletes Can Speak Up for Themselves at Work

You’ve spent years letting your actions speak for you—whether it was draining three-pointers, setting records in the pool, or crushing personal bests on the track. But as you step off the field and into the workplace, you might find that relying on your physical skills alone won’t cut it anymore. Don’t worry; speaking up for yourself at work isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. In fact, you’ve already got the tools—you just need to learn how to use them in a new arena.

For athletes, communication often happens in short bursts: a quick callout on the court, a hand signal to a teammate, or the infamous nod that says, “I got this.” But in the professional world, you’ll need more than nonverbal cues and game-day adrenaline to make your point. Fortunately, the skills you’ve mastered as an athlete—resilience, teamwork, and focus—can help you find your voice and use it effectively.

Confidence Comes with Preparation

Every great performance starts with preparation, and speaking up at work is no different. Just like you wouldn’t walk into a championship game without knowing the playbook, you shouldn’t walk into a meeting unprepared. Take the time to understand the topics being discussed, your role in the conversation, and the potential impact of your input.

Think of preparation as your pregame routine. You stretch, you strategize, and you visualize success. At work, this might mean jotting down key points before a big meeting or rehearsing how you’ll ask for a raise. Preparation builds confidence, and confidence makes it easier to speak with authority.

Channel Your Inner Team Captain

Even if you weren’t the team captain, you’ve seen how leaders step up during crucial moments. They rally the group, communicate clearly, and inspire confidence in those around them. That same energy is what you need to bring to the workplace.

When the moment comes to share your ideas or voice a concern, think of it as your time to lead. Speak with clarity and purpose, and make sure your message aligns with the team’s goals. Remember, leadership isn’t about dominating the conversation; it’s about contributing in a way that moves everyone forward.

Embrace the Assist

Speaking up doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Just like in sports, sometimes the best plays come from a great assist. If you’re nervous about addressing a sensitive topic or advocating for yourself, enlist a trusted coworker or mentor to help you strategize. They can provide feedback, role-play scenarios, or even back you up in a meeting.

Teamwork doesn’t end when you trade your jersey for a blazer. Leaning on others for support shows that you value collaboration, which is a crucial skill in any workplace.

Turning Feedback into Fuel

Athletes know the value of constructive criticism. A coach’s feedback might sting in the moment, but it’s what helps you grow stronger and perform better. The same goes for workplace communication. If you stumble while speaking up, don’t let it derail you. Use it as a learning experience.

Maybe you interrupted someone without realizing it, or your point didn’t land the way you intended. Reflect on what went wrong, seek advice if needed, and adjust your approach next time. Just like in sports, improvement comes with practice.

Celebrate Small Wins

Finding your voice at work doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Every time you advocate for yourself—whether it’s sharing an idea in a meeting, asking for feedback, or clarifying your role on a project—you’re building confidence and sharpening your skills.

Celebrate these moments, no matter how small they seem. They’re the equivalent of those small victories in practice that add up to a game-changing performance on the big stage. Over time, you’ll find it easier and more natural to speak up when it matters most.

The Power of Authenticity

At the end of the day, your voice is unique—just like your athletic journey. You don’t need to adopt someone else’s style or try to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit you. Authenticity is your greatest asset. Speak from the heart, be genuine in your interactions, and trust that your perspective is valuable.

In sports, your individuality is what makes you stand out. The same is true at work. By finding and using your voice, you’re not just advocating for yourself—you’re inspiring others to do the same. And that’s a win worth celebrating.