Self-promotion: A vital power skill for career success
One of the notable key lessons from the #adventuresofzeph novel is Zeph’s slick style of promoting his accomplishments and contributions especially whenever he has the audience with influential personalities and those with connections with the higher ups. Initially, you would think the guy is just a politician and power monger who just want to get ahead, but after getting to the end of the novel, you would realize that he’s a man of substance who has mastered with the art of blowing his trumpet at the right place and the right time.?
You have probably come across guys like Zeph who are skilled at seizing every opportunity to brag about their professional accomplishments, or talk up their contributions on projects everywhere, especially in the presence of the supervisor, manager, or senior executive. If you are the introvert type or someone of modest character, you would have dismissively label those bragging folks as “annoyingly lousy” individuals who love to play to the gallery as a substitute for their incompetence. You might have even gone as far to be judgemental by claiming “the emptiest can makes the loudest noise”. Your overconfidence in your work skills often means you tend to keep your head down, working hard, and hoping that your excellence will, one day, get noticed and that you will get recognized for your outstanding contributions. Then you get the shock of your career when you see the “lousy” guys who are skilled at strategically blowing their trumpets in the right circles, rewarded with promotions and other accolades from the higher ups at your expense. It can be frustrating seeing others get recognized for their contributions at your expense. So, how do you get your work and contributions noticed and recognized without exaggerating your abilities? Is it okay to blow your trumpet, or should you wait on others to help promote your work? Is?
Like it or not, self-promotion is an essential power skill needed for a successful and thriving career. While modesty is a desirable personal virtue, thinking that your excellence and commitment to work will automatically get noticed by others is a costly assumption that may limit your career success. Frankly speaking, your work does not have legs and mouth to speak for you in the right circles. Being dismissive about self-promotion leaves your chances of career success at the mercy of others. Promoting your skills and work contributions can shape your professional reputation, affect performance evaluation conversations, and enhance your negotiations with your employers.??????????
I have come to the conclusion that it is not enough to be excellent or hard working. A healthy dose of self-promotion is needed to put you over the top. Self-promotion isn’t the same as playing politics, it’s about personal leadership and being proactive about your career. If you are ambivalent about self-promotion at work, take a cue from Zeph and do something about it today. It’s time to speak up for yourself and start making those connections!
领英推荐
You can order your copy of the #adventuresofzeph novel here :
Technical Manager - Project and Operations | Author - Funded Graduate Admission | Industry 4.0 | I help professionals secure fully funded graduate admission
1 年Prof Tolu Sajobi I agree with your submission here. It is very important that as a professional one is able to blow his/her trumpet appropriately and within the boundaries of moderation. Unfortunately, many of us of African descent have been wired to be quite and not speak or project what we are good at and how we have contributed to an organization. It is mostly seen as arrogance especially when people don't expect you to be that good. However, I believe that with proper guidance and mentorship, everyone should be able to share some of their success stories in career. It not only boost morale, it will equally encourage younger professionals.