Client Matt Asks: I never seem to get the recognition I deserve for my work, but I’m afraid to say anything because it might seem like I’m bragging. Is it appropriate to mention my accomplishments to others at work?
Coach Joel Answers: You know you’re good at what you do and deserve to get more recognition, increased responsibility and a probably even a promotion. But does anyone else know?
Many employees are passed by or completely overlooked simply because senior management doesn’t know how valuable they are. Others may even get credit for their hard work.
In a Newsweek article, Sharon Allen, Chairman of the board, Deloitte & Touche USA, said: “Take responsibility for your own career. Don’t assume that others are aware of the good work you’re doing. When I was a young accountant, I was unhappy about not getting a promotion. I went to my supervisor and told him all of these things that I thought I should be given credit for and he said, ‘Well, gee, I didn’t know that you had done all of these things.’ It was a real wakeup call. You don’t have to be a bragger, but I think it’s very important that we make people aware of our accomplishments…”
Your accomplishments are the currency you use to calculate your value to the company. When tracking accomplishments, focus on:
Business results.
- Keep a record of what you’ve done for the business. How have your achievements benefited your department and company as a whole?
The value you bring.
- Highlight the value you’ve provided to the company within every project you’ve worked on.
Evidence of your success.
- Share fact-based, concrete details that speak to the importance of your achievements.
Feedback from others.
- Make a note of the specific feedback you receive from others, including superiors, coworkers, direct reports, and other stakeholders.
Quantifiable data.
- Hard data is especially persuasive because it measures the impact of your accomplishments. Use it to articulate the bigger picture every step of the way.
Not only does tracking your accomplishments create concrete examples of your value, the tracking process itself will give you confidence. As you become aware of your progress, you will be more comfortable telling others, in specific terms, how you provide value to the company.
Like Ms. Allen says, you don’t have to be a bragger—or, to put it another way, you can brag tactfully. Take advantage of opportunities to communicate your accomplishments. If others don’t hear about them from you, they can only operate from perception and second-hand information.
If you’re unsure about how much self-promotion is too much, Joel’s coaching program will provide you with a customized action plan to help you leapfrog your way to the top of the career ladder. Click here for more information.
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