Get your people bragging, with brag books!

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Workplace Confidence Email

Hi there,

This time I’m excited to share a simple yet powerful tool that can help boost confidence, self-awareness, and productivity in the workplace: the brag book.

And yes, while the name might sound a tad cringey, this isn’t about showing off - it’s about recognising achievements, celebrating wins and empowering individuals to keep moving forward.

So, let’s dive into what brag books are, why they’re useful and how you can support your colleagues in creating and maintaining their own.

Listen to my 5-min podcast: Get your people bragging, with brag books!

What’s a brag book, anyway?

Despite the name a brag book isn't about boasting. It's a practical way for people to collect their wins, positive feedback, new skills, and any small success that deserves recognition.

Think of it as a personal record of progress, there to remind individuals of their value whenever they need it most - like during performance reviews, job interviews, or when prepping for that next big project.

How to create a brag book

Creating a brag book is straightforward and can be as flexible as the individual needs:

• Digital folders: Some prefer a desktop folder to save screenshots of positive feedback, completed project notes or emails highlighting achieved goals.
• Quick notes: Others might opt for jotting down wins on the go using a phone or a digital notes app - perfect for capturing those spur-of-the-moment successes right after a productive meeting.
• Classic pen and paper: For the traditionalists, there’s always the trusty notebook and pen. Writing things down can make achievements feel more tangible and memorable.

The key? Little and often. Encourage your colleagues to update their brag books regularly instead of letting it pile up as a task for later. It’s about capturing the journey, not just the final outcomes.

Why brag books matter

Brag books do more than just document successes - they actively support self-awareness and personal growth. Here’s how:

• Boost self-awareness: By regularly noting their wins, people build a clear picture of their strengths and progress. This can be especially reassuring in new or challenging situations.
• Positive reinforcement: No need to wait for external validation - brag books provide a self-driven boost. Glancing at past successes can lift someone’s confidence, especially when the daily grind gets tough.
• Efficient preparation: When it’s time to prepare for appraisals, promotions, or new opportunities, brag books make it easy. With achievements readily available, it’s quicker to cherry-pick the highlights that matter most.
• Keep momentum high: It’s not just about looking back; brag books help keep motivation and momentum moving forward by tracking growth and celebrating each step along the way.

Supporting brag books in your workplace

You can play a vital role in embedding brag books into your workplace culture. Leaders and managers can start by asking questions like, “What’s something you’ve achieved this month?” or “What feedback are you proud of?”

If someone struggles to answer, it’s a perfect opportunity to suggest starting a brag book.

Promote this tool through internal comms or bring it up in your next team meeting. It’s low-effort, no-cost, and has the potential to transform how people perceive their progress and value.

By encouraging brag books, you’re not just helping individuals - you're fostering a culture of positive self-development and continuous learning across the organisation. Give it a try and see the difference it makes.

Best wishes,

Penny

NEW! Coming 1st Oct 2024: The Workplace Confidence Podcast - Where people professionals share the great work they do

10 episodes of this brand new show arriving 1st Oct 2024! Listen to a special preview episode

Welcome to the Workplace Confidence Podcast with Penny Haslam. Each episode is your chance to hear directly from experts and leaders in HR, L&D, D&I and more. They’re here to share their insights, best practices, and practical tips that you can use to make a real difference in your workplace. Listen to a special preview episode