Are You Succeeding in Silence?
Self-promotion is not a sin in the workplace. I’ve had to learn this and continue to struggle with it. I often assume that the time, energy, and strategy I put into a project are obvious, but everyone has their own responsibilities to focus on.
For some, succeeding (or in some cases, suffering) in silence comes with a sense of honor. But there is no place for martyrdom in the workplace.
It’s easy, in the busyness of the day, to downplay your workload for the sake of brevity. However, certain opportunities should not be overlooked:
Meetings with senior leadership
All-staff meetings
One-on-one meetings with other departments
These are chances to help your colleagues understand your department’s work and your individual contributions. There are times to function as part of a collective and times to stand out as an individual. Striking this balance is delicate but essential in the workplace.
The next project, task, or event is always just around the corner. For your own sense of fulfillment, it’s crucial to take a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments before rushing into the next thing.
If you don’t admit something was difficult, it will likely be assumed that it was easy. This isn’t about whining or complaining; it’s about highlighting how you managed tasks despite the challenges.
One approach I like is to present your report as a “compliment sandwich”:
Start by describing the completion of the task.
Explain the difficulties that arose and how you problem-solved through them, or acknowledge the team members you collaborated with to get the job done. Knowing when to ask for help is as much a strength as any other.
Close by summarizing what you learned and how you’ll be better equipped to handle similar tasks in the future.
Now, I’m not suggesting you become a walking LinkedIn post, but taking the time to reflect and share your accomplishments thoughtfully can help others see the value you bring to the table.
