The truth is nobody likes a braggart. And the truth also is that to grow at work, you need to showcase your achievements. Most senior executives face the predicament as quite often self-promotion goes against them and they carry the risk of being called an attention-seeker.
To counter that, many people mask boast as a complaint e.g. ‘I’m tired of being the only person to carry out serious negotiations.’ The other approach that people follow is boasting with humility e.g. ‘The double promotion came as a surprise to me.’ A few prompt others to talk about their achievements, so that they can add their own to it later.
The research led by Ovul Sezer at the University of Carolina suggests the people who masked their boasting were not only considered less likable but also less competent.
So, how can you attract people to your accomplishments without getting disliked or penalized for them?
Demonstrate Your Expertise
At work, you encounter many opportunities to demonstrate your competence. For example, your boss seeks your advice on an important matter, go all out on generosity and serve him. Similarly, if your colleague is looking for help, do not withhold yourself, let her know how good you are by showing your expertise while helping her.
Create Your Promoters
A series of studies by Jeffrey Pfeffer at Stanford University found that the interview candidates who were admired by others were better liked and seen as more competent. So, go and find bosses, peers, mentors, and customers who can acknowledge your competence publicly or to those who matter.
Speak When Asked
Humility is good. But when you are given an opportunity to talk highly about yourself you must grab it. Research at Harvard Business School suggests that when asked about strength at the interview, when the job-seeker is allusive, she is marked poorly.
The same applies to your performance appraisal or monthly review meet, when your boss wants to know all that you have done, let her know with specific examples supported with data.
Research also suggests that when people talk only of their successes they are seen as less likable. So, if you are a high-achiever, also share your slips and misses to sound more affable.
Change the game!