Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection

For a long time, I was selective about when and how I shared my accomplishments. Not because success made me uncomfortable, but because I wanted to contribute, not broadcast. Sharing itself is not the problem. Sharing without intention is. Over time, I learned something simple. Most people are not put off by your achievements. They are put off when those achievements feel out of place or disconnected from the moment. There is a meaningful difference between adding value and seeking validation. Here is what unhelpful sharing looks like: ❌ Offering wins that have no relevance to the conversation ❌ Sharing with people who have no reason to care ❌ Speaking to prove something rather than to support something Here is what intentional sharing looks like: ✅ Using accomplishments to clarify or strengthen a point ✅ Offering examples that help others learn ✅ Grounding the moment in relevance and contribution Three ways to share your accomplishments without feeling like a show-off: Share with people who have the context to appreciate it: When the audience makes sense, your message lands as insight, not ego. Focus on what the experience taught you: Lessons, patterns, and takeaways give others something they can actually use. Release responsibility for someone else’s reaction: If your progress makes someone uncomfortable, that is their work to do, not yours. Here’s the truth: You are not bragging when you are adding value. And withholding your accomplishments does not serve you, or the people who could benefit from knowing what you have learned along the way. ♻️ Repost to remind someone that sharing their work can be an act of contribution ➡️ Follow Dorie Clark for more practical career clarity

9 Ways Introverts Can Practice Self-Advocacy at Work (Without Feeling Fake, Pushy, or Inauthentic) You don’t want to be pushy. You cringe when others boast, and you don’t want to be that person. You don’t speak up unless you have something truly meaningful to say. You’d rather build relationships one-on-one than fight for attention in a crowd. You are brilliant - but you’re also the best-kept secret in your organization. Here’s the truth: Staying quiet is holding you back. Start here so that your impact is seen and valued - without feeling fake or pushy. 1. Document Your Wins Consistently ↳ Keep a log of your contributions, feedback, and achievements. ↳ Makes sharing feel factual, not boastful. 2. Share Your Work in Small, Thoughtful Ways ↳ You don’t need grand speeches. ↳ Share small updates in meetings, emails, or one-on-one chats. 3. Use Data to Tell Your Story ↳ Use numbers and tangible results - let the data speak for itself. ↳ Shifts the narrative from “Look what I did” to “Here’s what worked.” 4. Reframe Self-Promotion as Adding Value ↳ Self-promotion isn’t bragging. Focus on adding value instead of seeking validation. ↳ This makes it feel more purposeful, natural, and aligned with your values. 5. Practise Speaking Early - Shape the Conversation ↳ Don’t wait. Speak early and get that first win in. ↳ Removes the risk of waiting for a perfect moment that never arrives. 6. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone ↳ You don’t need to attend crowded networking events. ↳ Reach out to key stakeholders one-on-one with a shared point of interest. 7. Flip Your Inner Critic Into an Inner Coach ↳ Your inner critic says, “You’re not ready.” ↳ Flip it to ask, “What if this is the perfect time?” 8. Reframe Boastful Colleagues - You’re Not Them ↳ You can advocate for yourself thoughtfully and authentically. ↳ Your way will still be impactful. 9. You Don’t Always Have to Add Rocket-Science Ideas ↳ You don’t need groundbreaking insights in every meeting. ↳ Asking thoughtful questions and summarizing key points is just as valuable. ♻️ Repost and help someone. 🔔 Follow Meera Remani for practical insights on leadership success.

Many of my coaching clients are uncomfortable with self-promotion, even though it's essential to building the visibility needed to power their career success. If this rings true for you as well, take heart. There are meaningful ways to showcase your contributions and build your professional presence without feeling like you're bragging. Here are a few strategies to consider: 🎊 1. Share Your Wins Collaboratively Instead of focusing solely on your achievements, highlight how your team’s efforts contributed to success. For example, in a meeting, you might say, “Our team’s collaboration on [Project Name] really made an impact. I’m particularly proud of how we addressed [specific challenge].” This shows leadership and gives credit to others. 👀 2. Volunteer for High-Visibility Projects Offer to take on tasks or projects that involve cross-functional teams or public presentations. This puts your work in front of a broader audience and establishes your expertise without explicitly “tooting your own horn.” 💡 3. Ask Thoughtful Questions Speaking up in meetings doesn’t always mean sharing your own ideas. Asking insightful questions about ongoing initiatives shows you’re engaged, strategic, and invested in the organization’s goals. 📈 4. Document and Share Results Create concise updates on your projects to share with your manager or team. For example, you could write a quick email or slide deck summarizing outcomes and lessons learned from a recent initiative. This keeps others informed and reinforces your value. 🤝 5. Build One-on-One Relationships Visibility isn’t just about public recognition. Building strong relationships with colleagues and leaders through regular check-ins or coffee chats can help ensure your contributions are recognized organically. Visibility doesn’t require loud self-promotion. By focusing on collaboration, thoughtful communication, and consistent results, you can gain the recognition you deserve while staying true to your authentic self. #visibility #careerstrategies #authenticity

I used to get jealous when I saw people brag about their accomplishments on LinkedIn. I understand why they do it, they're just going about it the wrong way. Highlighting your credibility helps build your personal brand which can build your bank account. But what if there was a way to show what you've achieved, while also displaying authenticity and empathy at the same time? There is, and I inadvertently created a three-step process for it. Whenever I share one my wins, I include the following: ‣ The thing I accomplished ‣ Something that occurred behind the scenes ‣ What can you learn from this experience that will help you For example: ‣ I was recently cast in a reality TV show ‣ I was told to dress a certain way for the premiere, I declined ‣ Rather than conforming to a culture, you can choose to contribute instead. ‣ I spoke at the Speak Your Way to cash event in Atlanta ‣ I forgot my belt so I had to make one out of two lanyards ‣ Being prepared is great, but sometimes you gotta improvise ‣ I interviewed Gary Vaynerchuk for Fiverr's series The Signal ‣ I was traveling at the time and had to ask ConvertKit to borrow their studio ‣ You’ll be amazed at who’s willing to help you, especially if you’ve nurtured the relationship These are all legit accomplishments. However, if I just focus on what I’ve done it doesn't help anyone but me. So try this out next time you have a big win (or even a small one) You’ll still get the acknowledgement. But if you help others along the way, you’ll gain fans and friends instead of followers and fakes. Plus, who’s going to share a post where someone else just brags about how great they are? ______ ♻️ If this post was helpful or inspiring, please share it and follow Terry Rice for more.

One of the hardest balances to master as a leader is staying informed about your team’s work without crossing the line into micromanaging them. You want to support them, remove roadblocks, and guide outcomes without making them feel like you’re hovering. Here’s a framework I’ve found effective for maintaining that balance: 1. Set the Tone Early Make it clear that your intent is to support, not control. For example: “We’ll need regular updates to discuss progress and so I can effectively champion this work in other forums. My goal is to ensure you have what you need, to help where it’s most valuable, and help others see the value you’re delivering.” 2. Create a Cadence of Check-Ins Establish structured moments for updates to avoid constant interruptions. Weekly or biweekly check-ins with a clear agenda help: • Progress: What’s done? • Challenges: What’s blocking progress? • Next Steps: What’s coming up? This predictability builds trust while keeping everyone aligned. 3. Ask High-Leverage Questions Stay focused on outcomes by asking strategic questions like: • “What’s the biggest risk right now?” • “What decisions need my input?” • “What’s working that we can replicate?” This approach keeps the conversation productive and empowering. 4. Define Metrics and Milestones Collaborate with your team to define success metrics and use shared dashboards to track progress. This allows you to stay updated without manual reporting or extra meetings. 5. Empower Ownership Show your trust by encouraging problem-solving: “If you run into an issue, let me know your proposed solutions, and we’ll work through it together.” When the team owns their work, they’ll take greater pride in the results. 6. Leverage Technology Use tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello to centralize updates. Shared project platforms give you visibility while letting your team focus on execution. 7. Solicit Feedback Ask your team: “Am I giving you enough space, or would you prefer more or less input from me?” This not only fosters trust but also helps you refine your approach as a leader. Final Thought: Growing up playing sports, none of my coaches ever suited up and got in the game with the players on the field. As a leader, you should follow the same discipline. How do you stay informed without micromanaging? What would you add? #leadership #peoplemanagement #projectmanagement #leadershipdevelopment

Want To Master the art of building confidence and owning achievements without feeling boastful? Use These 5 Techniques To Promote Yourself. I have been in the Sales industry for 15+ years. During that time, I have closed millions in sales deals while building high-performing teams in male-dominated industries. I recently had the honor of presenting at the INBOUND conference, where I shared insights on how Women Sell Better by Leveraging Diversity to Boost Sales. In fact, I’ve invested so many hours into mastering my craft that I’ve developed frameworks and techniques that not only increase sales but transform how professionals see themselves and their abilities. But do you want to know a secret? I actually use the same five proven techniques every time. Technique #1: The Acknowledge & Affirm Strategy Here’s how it works: - Step 1: When someone compliments you, pause and fully absorb it. - Step 2: Acknowledge the compliment by saying, “Thank you,” but don’t stop there. - Step 3: Affirm it with “It’s true” or by stating the achievement behind the compliment. This simple template allows you to confidently own your accomplishments, transforming compliments into moments of empowerment. Technique #2: The Achievement Reflection Here’s how it works: - Step 1: Regularly reflect on recent successes, no matter how small. - Step 2: Write down your specific actions to achieve them. - Step 3: Share these reflections with others as part of your personal brand story. Quick note: Don’t downplay or brush off your accomplishments. That's a mistake. These steps work better when you fully embrace and communicate your wins authentically. Technique #3: The ‘Lead with Value’ Method Here’s how it works: - Avoid starting conversations with 'I did this' – it can come off as boastful. - Do lead with the value your action brought to the team or the client instead. - If you avoid self-centered language and focus on the value you create, you’ll unlock greater recognition and deeper connections. Easy, right? Technique #4: The Feedback Amplifier Here’s how it works: - Step 1: Ask for feedback on specific aspects of your work. - Step 2: Use the positive feedback to validate your strengths. - Step 3: Incorporate this feedback into your narrative when promoting your skills. Do these 3 things, and you’ll naturally amplify your confidence and others' perception of your expertise. Technique #5: The Confidence Anchor Here’s how it works: - Tip 1: Create a daily ritual where you recognize at least one thing you’ve done well. - Tip 2: Visualize a past success before entering a challenging situation. - Tip 3: Use affirmations to remind yourself of your strengths. That’s it! These techniques help you build unshakable confidence and promote your achievements without feeling boastful. #ThankYouItsTrue #OwnYourAwesome #WomenInSales

📣 Self-Promotion Doesn’t Have to Feel Icky. Here’s How to Do It Authentically 💬 Let’s be honest, self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, especially if you're someone who believes “my work should speak for itself.” But in today’s competitive landscape, sharing your strengths and impact is essential for career growth, visibility, and influence. As a leadership coach, advisor, and L&D professional, I’ve seen firsthand that authentic self-promotion isn't about bragging, it’s about owning your value and making your contributions visible in service of others. In my latest Harvard Business Review article, I share four practical ways to make self-promotion feel more natural and aligned with your values: 1️⃣ Focus on Impact, Not Ego Shift from “Look what I did” to “Here’s how my work made a difference.” Focus on value, outcomes, and purpose. 2️⃣ Leverage Storytelling Stories are powerful. They turn accomplishments into meaningful narratives that people connect with and remember. 3️⃣ Celebrate Others Along the Way Recognition builds trust. Highlighting your team and collaborators reflects humility and great leadership. 4️⃣ Make It a Habit Self-promotion isn't a one-time pitch. It’s a practice. Whether it’s sharing a small win, updating your LinkedIn, or having intentional conversations, consistency matters. ✨ When done with intention, self-promotion becomes a generous act. It inspires others, builds credibility, and invites collaboration. It also empowers you to uplift others! 💬 How do you promote your work in a way that feels authentic? I’d love to hear your approach in the comments ⬇️ 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQUyNVdv #Leadership #SelfPromotion #PersonalBrand #CareerGrowth #Coaching #FutureOfWork #Authenticity #LifelongLearning #Advisor #Professor #Thinkers50 #JennyFernandez #MG100 #BestAdvice

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱, 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗻...  I invite you to reflect on whether you consistently acknowledge and share your achievements. Research by Harvey J Coleman says that promotions at work are a function of 3 elements - 𝗣 - 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 - The work you do and the results you deliver. 𝗜 - 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 - What others think of you and how you project yourself. 𝗘 - 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 - The people who know about your achievements within and outside your organization. According to him, performance counts for 10% of the total, image 30%, and exposure for 60%. Yet, 82% of people do not share their achievements because they don't want to be seen bragging. It is a hard fact that accomplishments do not speak for themselves. You need to get comfortable shining the spotlight on your work. You need to learn to confidently present your talent, abilities, and achievements to build a positive and professional image. The good news is that sharing your accomplishments is a skill, and you can learn it. Here are some tips to highlight your achievements without feeling like you are bragging – 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – It is a combination of effective communication, networking, information-sharing, relationship-building, and managing up. 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 – View discussing your strengths as a way to help others who might be working on similar projects. Help others succeed by offering your support. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 – While telling your story, acknowledge those who collaborated with you, supported and guided you, and helped you do a good job. 𝗕𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 – Self-promotion is not about being someone you are not, stating false or exaggerated information. 𝗕𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 – Take on challenging assignments and high-visibility projects. Seek opportunities to interact with top management. Learning to acknowledge and share your achievements is a critical leadership skill. Self-promotion may feel challenging initially, but with practice, you will learn to be visible in ways that feel authentic to you, are good for your career, and inspire others. #ExecutiveCoach #Leadership #CareerGrowth #PurposeLadder

*** My work speaks for itself - WRONG. You have to speak for it. *** How to Showcase Your Work Without Sounding Like a Show-Off Many new employees entering the corporate world from college face a quiet struggle — how to talk about their work. They’ve been taught that humility is noble, that good work speaks for itself. So they wait, silently hoping their manager or peers will notice their effort. But in today’s fast-moving, hybrid, and global workplaces, silence doesn’t get you seen. Invisibility isn’t humility — it’s a missed opportunity. A 2023 Gallup survey found that only 29% of early-career professionals feel confident “communicating their achievements” at work, even though managers rank “self-advocacy” among the top differentiators of promotable talent. The challenge is clear: how can you show your work without coming across as a show-off or “know-it-all”? 1. Shift the Frame: From Self-Promotion to Value Communication You’re not bragging when you highlight your work — you’re showing how your contribution creates impact. Instead of saying, “I built a new dashboard,” say, “I built a dashboard that helped the team cut report time by 40%.” You’re not boasting about yourself — you’re spotlighting business value. 2. Give Credit as You Share The most credible professionals talk about success as a shared outcome. Try: “Our team tested a new campaign strategy — my role was analyzing customer data. We saw engagement jump 25%.” It shows confidence and collaboration. You own your part while appreciating others’. 3. Anchor It in Curiosity Frame your updates as learning moments: “I tried a new approach to streamline client communication — it worked better than expected. Has anyone else experimented with similar tools?” This invites dialogue, not applause. It makes your contribution a conversation starter. 4. Use the Right Platforms Different forums serve different purposes. One-on-ones: Share key wins and learnings with your manager. Team meetings: Link your update to team goals. Internal chat / newsletter: Post small updates that recognize joint effort. Visibility isn’t vanity — it’s professional hygiene. 5. Let Authenticity Be the Anchor Confidence and humility aren’t opposites — they’re partners. If your intent is to inform, help, or inspire, it will rarely sound like boasting. If your intent is to impress, it usually will. Final Thought: Your work doesn’t speak for itself — you speak for it. Do it with honesty, clarity, and gratitude. The world doesn’t reward hidden excellence; it rewards visible impact. #CareerGrowth #EarlyCareers #Communication #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership

Leaders: Working 50, 60+ hours a week isn’t a flex. And requiring it of others is ridiculous. If you think your team is only really working when they’re burning themselves out… that’s not leadership. It’s possible to build a business where people grow in their roles, push the boundaries, and don’t burn out. Here’s what that actually looks like: 👉 Real conversations, not just annual reviews. Talking about performance once a year doesn’t work. At Accelity, we meet with team members quarterly to discuss what’s working, what’s not, whether they feel valued, and how their managers can improve. 👉 Skip the toxic positivity and celebrate specifically. We’ve toed the line of toxic positivity by trying to stay positive about every little thing. And guess what? People can tell when you’re faking it. Sometimes work sucks. It’s okay to say that out loud. At the same time, we celebrate the hell out of what’s working. Loudly and specifically. 👉 Support each other on a personal level. It’s okay to say “I’m not here all the way today.” Or, “I’m dealing with something personally and my brain’s a little fuzzy.” Or even, “I’m not okay today.” Create a culture where you don’t ask questions; you just show up for each other. 👉 Help your people grow without making them drown. Our Growth Hero program is all about leveling up in ways that actually fit into people’s lives. You want to take on a dense book about psychology and decision making? Great. You want to watch a series of YouTube videos and discuss them in our 1:1s? Great. We’re not perfect. But we’ve built a place where people stay—for years. And care about each other and the work. What would you add to the list above to create a healthy workplace? 🎧 This week’s episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship breaks it all down: https://lnkd.in/e4aNh7Zi ♻️ Repost if you’re ready for the opposite of hustle culture 🙌