Self-marketing instead of the diligence trap – 3 strategies to position yourself without pretending
Many achievers cringe at the thought of talking about their successes.
Some have heard far too often, "Don't make yourself important!" or, "She's so arrogant, she thinks she's something better!" Moreover, we see how embarrassing it sometimes comes across when colleagues style themselves as irresistible heroes. Or they wait for their performance to be seen and rewarded one day. This reluctance can backfire quite badly. Performance is one thing. Talking about it and making it visible is the other, a form of promotion.
Why is it not enough to be diligent and deliver?
We all have a lot to do. Especially bosses. We are allowed to help bosses see our successes and achievements more quickly and not have to search for them in hidden messages and documentation.
It doesn't need to be a whole hymn about ourselves. It's better to let the small everyday successes come across briefly in passing, quite breezily and lightly. But do it regularly. This lifts your own spirits as well as those of your team and superiors. Depending on how you communicate in the company: a short email, a message on messenger, a mini-break in the coffee kitchen ... this way your superiors will find out what you do for the company in passing. It is actually a help for many, often even overloaded superiors in problem-solving mode. Because if you only approach them with the problems - perhaps in the opinion that you do not need to take up time unnecessarily - then you should not be surprised if you are associated with "problem employee" and others are given preference. So: Who has benefited from your work? Thanked you? Made them understand that everything is okay?
Start your book of success
My advice is to make a notebook and write BOOK OF success on it in big, bold letters. This is where all your successes go. Read more about the BOOK of success here. It is quite popular to think that hard work speaks for itself. After all, your boss surely recognizes how well you perform at work. While hard work is generally noticed, it is not often seen in the way you might hope. You may hope that your hard work will be rewarded with a promotion. However, your employer may simply think that you are very content with the current arrangement. Instead of hoping you get promoted at work, here are three strategies that can help you actually get one.
Communication is Key
Miscommunication is a huge problem in nearly every facet of life, including the workplace. If you are hoping for a promotion but have not expressed this desire to your boss, this is a significant problem. An organization is much more likely to consider you for roles if they know you are looking to take on the challenge. After all, many organizations will simply be thrilled about the quality work you are doing in your current role. However, if you are clear about your desire to take on more challenges, your leadership team can keep you in mind for roles that come open. They can also help you plan your professional development to position yourself for future openings.
Convince Yourself
Impostor syndrome is a real thing. Unfortunately, many talented professionals may not feel as if they can take on the challenge of a leadership position or promotion. If you do not believe that you are capable of succeeding in a different role, it will be incredibly hard to get into that role. Have you heard of self-fulfilling prophecies? Confidence really is crucial and will help get you noticed. Understand your skills and what you bring to the table. While recognizing areas needing growth is essential, be sure not to underemphasize your current strengths.
Work Smart
Many people looking to get promoted at work are tempted to take on every opportunity possible to show that they are hard workers. However, getting a promotion requires being strategic about the work that you take on. If you take on everything thrown your way, you will become stressed or reach burnout. You also may be overburdened and unable to deliver truly extraordinary results. Instead, ask yourself what projects are most important to the organization? What roles have the most significant impact on things your organization values? Volunteering for these will allow you to showcase your skills and help you bring valued successes to your organization.
Conclusion
It is crucial to communicate your desire to your leadership team, know and recognize your worth, and work smart to get promoted at work.
I want to help you achieve that goal. I want you to:
courageously show what drives you, what you stand for and what sets you apart.
receive interesting project or job offers - without having to schmooze.
make others listen to you and value your contributions.
do all this in an environment that is characterized by VUCA, transformation and virtual collaboration.
Does that sound good? Unfortunately, no one tells you how to do it! If you want to develop your concrete plan, sign up for SHOW UP! To support you in this whole process I have created the program SHOW UP! In 8 weeks you develop your positioning and show it in your organization and your network without feeling inauthentic or pushy. If you want to know more about it here is the link to the waiting list. Here is the link to book a discovery call.
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