Can we talk for a minute about self-promotion?
Self-promotion carries with it, whether we'd like to admit it or not...a stigma. "Oh, they're so full of themselves. Look at them tooting their own horn." ...many comments along those lines, when, in fact, the only way for people to understand your particular skills, strengths, and capabilities is for you to tell them!
And of course...this tends to be more prevalent with women, which is why:
They miss out on opportunities.
They don't apply for the position because they don't tick every box.
They wait for someone else to tell someone else about how good they are.
And then, no surprise here...they miss the boat. They miss the boat on opportunities that they're capable of but they didn't have the confidence to declare what they have to offer. This needs to stop.
One of the most common reasons I hear for this behaviour?
It feels like bragging.
Here's what actually happens when you're promoting yourself - you're telling the truth about yourself...and if something's true, you're not bragging, you're stating facts.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here. If you were socialized as a female, chances are people pleasing and seeking approval, we're on the menu. Don't get too loud. Don't get too big for your boots. All those different sayings, and if that wasn't your experience...that's amazing!
However, I've seen enough women in my coaching practice to substantiate this information. Not speaking up or promoting themselves because of the perception that others will not like it.
What does this create?
It creates individuals who are afraid to talk about their skills, strengths and capabilities.
It teaches us to tamp down who we are because we don't want to make other people feel smaller.
What a load of crap...the ultimate achievement for all of us is to be ourselves and support others in doing the same.
Are you ready?
Let's get to it...
Your challenge...
Whether you're a woman or a man, it's time to reframe "self-promotion".
Let's start with some of the many definitions of "self promotion" that are out there:
Attempting to present yourself to others as an accomplished, capable, smart, and skilled person.
Your sense of personal identity and of who you are as an individual.
When an individual tells or shows others their accomplishments, skills, and talents.
The benefits?
You're letting people know about your exciting projects or what you're learning on the job and this can be a way to teach, connect, and collaborate with others.
Self-promotion is essential for relevance in a competitive and easily distracted work environment...you can't expect your work to speak for itself...you have to be the voice for it.
Nothing icky here...it's a skill...which is good news. You can learn any skill if you want to.
So get out there...toot your horn!!
Need help shifting your mindset... Contact me
Cheers,
Ann
Self promotion…icky?