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

As a student-athlete, you’ve spent years letting your actions do the talking. A perfectly timed steal, a game-winning goal, or a personal best on the track—those moments spoke volumes about your skills, your dedication, and your grit. But now, as you transition into the workforce, it’s time to let your actual voice shine. Speaking up for yourself at work might feel as intimidating as a championship game, but just like in sports, it’s a skill you can master with practice.

For athletes, communication has always been a key part of the game. On the field, you call out plays and cheer on teammates. Off the field, it’s a different kind of dialogue—one where advocating for yourself is crucial to your professional growth and success. Let’s dive into how you can build the confidence to speak up, handle challenges, and find your voice in the workplace.

Building Confidence Through Preparation

Think back to your best performances. They weren’t just about raw talent; they were the result of preparation. You studied the playbook, trained hard, and visualized success. The same principles apply when it comes to speaking up at work. Confidence grows when you know your stuff.

Start by understanding your role and responsibilities inside out. When you’re clear on what’s expected of you and the value you bring, it becomes easier to articulate your thoughts and ideas. Have a great suggestion for improving a process? Speak up. Need more support to hit your goals? Ask for it. Preparation helps you approach these conversations with clarity and conviction.

Embracing Your Athlete Mentality

As an athlete, you’ve learned how to handle pressure and thrive in high-stakes moments. That same mindset can help you navigate workplace challenges. Think of speaking up as stepping onto the court: your goal is to contribute to the team, not just for yourself but for the collective win.

When the moment comes to voice your opinion, channel the focus and determination you’ve honed over years of competing. Speak clearly, stay on point, and don’t let nerves get the best of you. Remember, the worst thing that can happen is a missed opportunity—and athletes know better than anyone that you’ll never score if you don’t take the shot.

Navigating Tough Conversations

Let’s be honest: not every conversation at work is going to feel like a pep rally. Sometimes, you’ll need to bring up tough topics—like asking for a raise, addressing conflicts, or clarifying miscommunications. These moments can feel awkward, but they’re also where real growth happens.

The key is to approach these conversations with respect and a solutions-oriented mindset. Instead of focusing on problems, highlight how addressing the issue can benefit everyone. For example, if you’re requesting additional resources, frame it as a way to improve team performance rather than just a personal need. Tough conversations might feel uncomfortable, but they’re often necessary to ensure you’re set up for success.

Celebrating Small Wins

Speaking up for yourself isn’t about winning every battle; it’s about building momentum. Start small. Maybe it’s sharing an idea in a team meeting or volunteering to lead a project. Each time you step up, you’ll gain confidence and prove to yourself (and others) that your voice matters.

Over time, these small wins add up to big victories. Just like on the field, consistent effort leads to meaningful progress. The more you advocate for yourself, the more comfortable you’ll become doing it—and the more others will recognize and respect your contributions.

Finding Balance: When to Speak and When to Listen

Athletes know the importance of timing. A perfectly executed pass or block can change the game, but making the move too early or too late can cost you. The same goes for speaking up at work. Knowing when to assert yourself and when to listen is key to building strong relationships and earning respect.

Listening shows that you value others’ perspectives and are open to collaboration. It’s also a great way to gather insights that can strengthen your own arguments when you do speak up. By balancing speaking and listening, you’ll position yourself as a thoughtful and effective communicator—both on and off the field.

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Finding your voice isn’t just about advancing your own career; it’s about becoming a leader who inspires others. When you speak up, you’re not just advocating for yourself—you’re setting an example for your teammates and coworkers. You’re showing them that it’s okay to ask for what they need, share their ideas, and stand up for what they believe in.

As a student-athlete, you’ve already proven you have what it takes to excel under pressure. Now, it’s time to bring that same energy to the workplace. Speak up, stand tall, and remember: your voice is one of your greatest assets. Use it well, and you’ll not only find success but inspire others to do the same.