Why Boasting Is Good For Your Career

At a work place, getting credit for your ideas and your work is of utmost importance. So even though you maybe naturally tempted to play it down and be humble about your achievements, the workplace is where you should try and boast a bit!

Deborah Tannen, in a widely popular, study noted how women and men are socialized into talking differently. “From childhood, most girls learn that sounding to be sure of themselves will make them unpopular with their peers.”

“Boys with high status are expected to emphasize their status in the group by displaying their abilities and knowledge..” says Tannen. And these styles have repercussions in the workplace, where women are perceived as less credible and confident simply because they do not display their skills as much as men do.

So here’s why you should boast a little:

Firstly, you do not need to be obnoxious while bragging.

The point is to let your boss know exactly what you are doing. If you are working late hours, and putting in effort to help another colleague, or taking up any extra challenge, your boss should recognise your work

Promotions, rewards are given on the basis of work. It is important your boss has all the relevant information.

You don’t have to go on and on about yourself, but you don’t have to downplay it either. Stick to the facts, speak clearly, and communicate your role in the project as effectively as possible. If there were any roadblocks that you helped navigate, let your boss know.

Record your achievements. How many projects have you taken the lead on? How many training sessions have you done? When speaking about your achievements try and tell a story to make it more compelling.

Don’t just brag to your boss, make sure everyone knows about your achievements. It will help build connections and your credibility. It will send more opportunities your way. If someone passes you a compliment, give them a little information about what it is you accomplished, rather than simply brushing it off.

You don’t have to sound like a show-off to let the world know all about your skills. Just don’t hesitate to speak about the actual work you are doing, and stop brushing your achievements under the rug!

Also Read: Sandra Horbach on Private Equity, Investment Planning and Career Choices