What term best describes the action of urging colleagues to support a proposal?

The term "exhorted" specifically conveys the action of strongly encouraging or urging someone to take a particular course of action, which aligns closely with the context of urging colleagues to support a proposal. When someone exhorts, they are not just suggesting; they are passionately and actively pushing for a response or a decision, making it a fitting choice for this situation.

In contrast, while "advocated" may also seem relevant as it involves supporting a cause or proposal, it doesn’t carry the same connotation of urging or inciting action. "Inveighed" means to speak or write about something with great hostility, which is not suitable for a supportive context. "Critiqued" pertains to evaluating or analyzing something, normally in a negative or neutral way, rather than promoting or urging others to support a proposition. Therefore, the term exhorted captures the essence of motivating colleagues effectively in this context.