Your work doesn't always speak for itself

NOT many leaders will tell you this, but being able to advocate for yourself in the workplace to advance your interests is possibly one of the biggest factors that will determine your career trajectory. Yet, for most of us, speaking up - be it for more resources, a pay rise or promotion, or just expressing your opinion - is one of the hardest things to do.

It almost seems like a gamble. Play your cards right, and the rewards are great. Read the situation wrong, and your reputation and career prospects could be at stake.

Even if the request is granted, there's an awareness of the long-term cost to your career if your negotiation behaviour was viewed negatively.

It's little wonder that employees find themselves in a dilemma over when to assert themsel…