Day #8: Influence Without Authority
Being ADEPT | Be an Advocate

Welcome to Day 8 of the 30-Day Say It Skillfully Challenge! After a week of showing up for yourself, you're ready to make your presence count. Starting today, we begin developing a new set of skills that elevate how you communicate in real time: being ADEPT in your communication.  

It starts with Advocacy.  

Being an advocate is not about having the loudest voice or the best answer. It's about recognizing moments when the conversation would be stronger, fairer, or more complete if another voice were heard and choosing to act on that instinct. Advocacy is influence with intention. This is a different kind of communication muscle that requires presence, courage, and care. When practiced well, it changes not just outcomes but culture as well. 

Today's Challenge: Today, don't wait for the "right" moment; create one. Identify one interaction where you can intentionally advocate for someone else. 
Try inviting someone in ("I'd love to hear what you think"), pausing the momentum ("Let's slow down and make sure we've heard a few more perspectives"), or acknowledging and amplifying ("I want to build on what ___ just shared—that feels important").

How did it feel to advocate intentionally? Did someone show up differently once they felt supported? What did you learn about your ability to shape conversations without taking over?

Advocacy isn't a one-time act. Like any skill, it gets stronger with use, and with practice, it becomes a natural part of how you lead and connect. 

Cheering for you to make the most of this 30-day challenge—whether you're recommitting to a resolution, trying something new, or simply choosing to turn over a fresh leaf this year. One small step today can change how you show up all year long. You've got this!