Let’s Roar! How to Promote Yourself without Sounding Arrogant

Let’s Roar! How to Promote Yourself without Sounding Arrogant

Self-promotion without bragging is one of the hardest skills to master. And, for women, it can be even harder. Yet, it’s one of the most important skills for career and business success. As a study at Montana State University confirmed, women have a hard time speaking up when it comes to their achievements for fear they may sound arrogant or conceited. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable about promoting your achievements:

Log Your Accomplishments

This list is invaluable when it’s time to ask for a raise and/or promotion. And, you’ll be prepared with an accurate record of all the great things you’ve accomplished for your company along with a reminder to yourself about all of your on-the-job successes.

Just the Facts

Talk proudly about your achievements, but don’t overdo it. The key is to be concise in your explanation, stating the facts in a simple, direct manner. This conveys confidence without seeming arrogant and expresses pride without seeming boastful.

I vs We

Using “we” instead of “I” is a good rule of thumb to avoid coming off as a braggart. You can magnanimously talk about what a great job the “team” did while still making it clear that your contributions to the project, as part of that team, were very significant.

Accept Praise

When recognized for your accomplishments, whether from your boss or another co-worker, accept the praise with open arms! Never shrug off a compliment or downplay what you did. A sincere “thank you” and a firm handshake will show you appreciate their acknowledgment of a job well done.

Help from Your Network

The Montana University research also showed that women in the study had no problem speaking up on behalf of a friend. If you still find it hard to promote your achievements, turn to your network. Use your connections to bolster your confidence and have them put in a good word for you when needed. Remember, you can do the same for them, too.

If you want to continue growing as a leader, you can do it with the support of industry-leading women around the world. No matter what field, the International Association of Women brings professionals together to share their tips on the trade and empower each other to reach new heights. Join our community today and find mentors, business resources, weekly webinars, networking events, and more!


Mon?trice Y. Malone

Principal & Founder | Injured Employee Advisor & Advocate | disAbility Advocate | Trainer | Speaker

8 个月

I’m certain this article is written by a young and well meaning writer. Sadly, in the 21st century women continuously battle for equality yet, continuously program women to not assimilate to the perceived ill-manners of men. Highly successful men never tell other men “don’t be arrogant”, “don’t brag”, and “don’t make anyone uncomfortable!” They just be. Be the one that commands respect, and receives it. Be the one that accomplishes the goal without apologies. You don’t have to beat your chest to prove your presence. But women put focus on making sure their words and actions is palliative. There are far greater conversations that actually move us forward. As a woman that has sat among ever walk of life, from the ice house to the Whitehouse, board rooms to school rooms, speak up or don’t get fed. Period. Mature adults are able to discern fluff vs facts. The day women stop frivolous chatter on how to be successful but first be ladylike, then and only then will we cease with these platitudes. This equates to, “Be successful but share it in a way that doesn’t upset someone!” What? Just mean what you say and say what you mean. Listen to the aged and experienced as a guiding light. That’s a Roar!

Zakaria Khan

Business Owner at TKT home made mosla products

8 个月
Sandra Warne (BS, CDC, CRC) ???

Strategic Associate Global Clinical Project Manager | Driving Clinical Trials From Concept To Completion | Over 10 Years Leading Phase I - III Trials

8 个月

Work on resetting how your new peers see you. Schedule a series of one-on-one meetings and ask them: What should I know about you? How can I help you? Project competence and confidence — along with a healthy dose of humility. Be patient. People’s views of you are not going to shift overnight and peers may need time to adjust to your new professional persona. Certain tough cookies on the team might try to test your mettle by, say, treating you like an assistant or ignoring you altogether. Cultivate a thick skin. ??

要查看或添加评论,请登录

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了