The article discusses whether we should be vocal about our achievements in the workplace, and if so, how to approach it in the right manner. Not everyone is comfortable speaking up about the work that they’ve done, even when they’ve gone above and beyond to produce it. How can we help these people to big themselves up? This is pertinent issue at the moment as annual appraisals are taking place across the industry.
When it comes to broadcasting your achievements in the workplace, there’s a fine line between positively poised and aggressively arrogant.
Some magazine articles I’ve read suggest that men publicise their good work as and when they complete it, puffing out their chests and shouting “look at ME! I’m great at my job!” Women, on the other hand, are said to naturally adopt an air of quiet modesty. This view is too simplistic for me – I believe it comes down to individual personalities rather than gender - but it is interesting to consider the difference in style. Personally, I am confortable articulating that I think I’ve done a good job with something. I like to think my colleagues are equally as comfortable with me doing so without wondering how I’ve managed to get my head wedged up my own backside. So what’s the issue? For me, it’s thinking about how you can strike the balance between justifiably confident in your performance and sinfully big-headed. It’s also worth considering how one can judge when it’s appropriate to be loud and proud. I’m not convinced there’s a right or wrong time; one can either choose to announce their achievements as and when they happen, or store them up like sweeties, ready to be presented to their boss during the yearly appraisal process. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences on this.
Like many of you, I follow a weird and wonderful array of people on Twitter, including other Consulting firms, recruiters, industry commentators and authors. I see it as a good opportunity to keep on top of what is happening in the world and can credit it with far more than just being the first to find out when a celebrity has died. Recently, I came across a self-congratulatory tweet from India Knight, a witty and talented British journalist. Having had praise heaped on her new book by Publishers Weekly, she was ready to “combust with self-love”. Clearly constrained by the 140 character tweet limit, she followed this up with “that was the sort of tweet that really pukes me out when other people do it, BUT I AM VERY PLEASED. Sorry”. Now, I was somewhat saddened by India’s need to a) justify tweeting about her book and b) apologise for doing so. Not only has India published a book – no mean feat in itself – she’s also received rave reviews. She’s hugely proud of that. Rightly so. Could anyone legitimately begrudge her that?
However good your relationship with your colleagues, I don’t think it is cynical or unfair to say that, generally, you are responsible for doing your own PR. Of course, you need to make sure your work is worthy of making your leader(s) think “wow, he/she did a great job”, but you also need to help them arrive at this conclusion. We have to make sure we’re not relying on other people to talk us up. We have to make sure we’re not playing the equivalent of the “hit and hope” football tactic, whereby you do a fantastic job on something and just hope someone notices. I understand that not everyone is comfortable doing this for fear of looking conceited, so here are my top tips:
• Set up an “accomplishments” folder in your mailbox where you can store good feedback you’ve received. You can then forward these to your boss.
• An alternative is to print out the accomplishments prior to your performance review and, if applicable, evidence of the results they led to. Showing a direct link between your work and the company’s success will highlight your value to the company.
• Remember you might sometimes need to be a bit selfish. For example, if you work on a project as part of a team, do not let anyone get away with hogging the glory.
• One question I’m sure we’re all asked repeatedly is “what are you working on at the moment?” Don’t just reel off your to-do list – mention a target you’ve hit or a goal you’ve reached as part of what you’re working on.
• It’s easier said than done, but try not to worry what people think of you if you publicly pat yourself on the back. Being proud of yourself for achieving something doesn’t make you a pompous narcissist; ramming it down people’s throats does!
So, what have I learned having pondered this issue? Well, I don’t want to “puke you out” here, but I’ve learned that there’s no shame in recognising your achievements – be they physical, emotional or otherwise – and celebrating them. Being proud of yourself is a fabulous feeling; enjoy it. Don’t feel embarrassed about enjoying it. Use it as a motivator as you strive to maintain or even out-do your success.
