How does one comfortably self-promote and not feel as if it is bragging?
I’ve worked with many clients over the past several years who were preparing for an interview or needed to speak about their accomplishments in order to get promoted, and they felt uneasy with this task. In some cultures, it’s considered inappropriate to self-promote.
I distinctly remember my father telling me, “Sonja, don’t be bold!” Yet, self-promotion is necessary for professional success. So how does one get more comfortable with sharing their accomplishments?
Here are several strategies that can help:
1. Reframe your objective.
Reframe the idea of “self-promotion” to becoming more “visible”. How can you share your work and ideas to more people who can benefit from them? Is there a newsletter, podcast, or stage where you can share your work?
2. Position yourself as a leader.
Many people feel more comfortable speaking in terms of “we” when talking about accomplishments since we usually work in teams or with others to accomplish goals. If you are a team leader, be sure to position yourself as a leader. Use the words, “I led my team to…” when highlighting an accomplishment in which you led.
3. Choose your language wisely.
For some people, speaking about what they are most ‘proud of’ feels easier than speaking of their accomplishments. Softening the language around your accomplishments can still signal your capabilities.
4. Talk about your impact.
When speaking of your accomplishments, don’t forget to talk about the IMPACT of the accomplishment. The impact of what you have achieved is often overlooked, yet it’s the most significant part of your accomplishment.
5. Ask for support.
Partner with a colleague to get the conversation started about what you have accomplished. Many people feel more at ease talking about what others have achieved than speaking of their own accomplishments. Working with a partner, you can add color to what they say about you.
Making your achievements visible is essential to advance your career. When you speak about the value of your contributions, you signal to others that you place a high value on the work you do. Use these strategies to help comfortably self-promote your wonderful accomplishments.