Many of us struggle with the very idea of self-promotion, but as a leader, you have a responsibility to share your successes and the success of your team within your organization. It’s a critical way to make sure your employees feel appreciated and valued. In her April 5 “Your Best Next Move” video, Bobbie LaPorte shares a simple tip to help you inventory your accomplishments so you can share those stories with people who matter.
Why You Need to Share Your Successes and Self-Promote
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with my weekly tip for Your Best Next Move – where I help you have more agency in your work, acknowledge your capacity to act and see what you can do right now.
This past week I spoke with a number of clients who are unhappy in their jobs. This is not unusual, given the times and the normal movement talented professionals make in a dynamic job market. But there did seem to be a “theme” of people feeling unappreciated and undervalued.
If you remember last week’s tip, I shared the results of a recent survey where 50% of those surveyed said they were actively looking for a new job – mostly because they didn’t feel valued.
As a leader, it is important to acknowledge the good work your team is doing, to let them know they are appreciated and valued.
And as a manager, you are an important element in your team’s career progression. But neither you nor your team members can rely on their manager for career advancement.
No one can wait for someone to “figuratively” tap you on the shoulder and offer you a new opportunity or promotion. You can’t abdicate your career development to someone else – nor can you assume that your boss knows all the good work you and your team are doing. You need to be the architect of your career – no one else can take responsibility for this but you.
I know you are saying to yourself, “Come on, Bobbie – I know that!” Okay, but are you doing anything about it?
You need to be actively and intentionally “promoting” yourself in the organization – yes, there is that word again — self-promotion – which in my mind means sharing your successes with people who matter. If you are doing that – then hats off to you. If you’re not, you need to start now.
I know everyone is busy – this last year has been difficult with more demands on your time than ever. And it is challenging to find time with your boss, your boss’s boss, or other influential people in the company – because you no longer enjoy those important corridor conversations you used to have in the office.
So, here’s my tip:
At the end of each week – take two minutes to take stock of what you’ve accomplished. It could be a major project milestone or something as simple as a successful conversation with a client or co-worker. Inventorying these accomplishments will give you perspective on the work you and your team are doing, and as importantly, stories to share. Then find a couple of opportunities in the next week to share these examples with people who have influence in your organization. You will become more comfortable doing this and they will view you differently.
And as a leader, you have a responsibility to share successes with your organization, particularly now. Success buoys everyone in the company. We all need to hear and learn from other’s successes. Yes, this is self-promotion, but in a way that serves the organization while also serving you and your team.
I want 2021 to be a year of momentum for you, one of possibilities thinking where you take advantage of the agency, we sometimes forget we have.
That’s my tip for this week. I’ll see you next Monday; take care of yourselves!
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