Why Owning Your Story Isn’t Bragging: The Key to Breaking Through Career Plateaus
One of the biggest challenges professionals face, especially in high-performance environments, is visibility. I’ve been coaching clients at one of the world’s largest tech companies in India and China, and a common theme has emerged: they feel like they’ve hit a ceiling.
Their managers tell them, “You need to let people know who you are and what you’ve achieved.”
But here’s the catch—most of them see this as bragging.
This mindset is incredibly common. Many of us are taught to keep our heads down, work hard, and let the results speak for themselves. While humility is a strength, invisibility is not. If you don’t talk about your accomplishments, no one else will.
Here’s the reframe: talking about your achievements isn’t boasting—it’s leadership. It’s about showing others what’s possible and demonstrating the impact you can create. Done authentically, it’s not just about building your own visibility; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to reach higher.
Why?
Because many equate sharing accomplishments with self-promotion, and self-promotion with arrogance.
Why Talking About Your Achievements Isn’t Bragging
Let’s bust this myth right now: sharing your accomplishments isn’t about boasting—it’s about leadership.
Here’s the truth: If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. Talking about your achievements demonstrates the value you bring to your role, your team, and your organization. When done authentically, it can:
- Build credibility: People understand your expertise and contributions.
- Inspire others: Sharing your wins motivates your peers and team members to aim higher.
- Enhance visibility: In larger organizations, visibility can directly impact career growth.
The Mindset Shift: From Bragging to Leadership
To move past the discomfort, you need to reframe your thinking. Talking about your achievements isn’t about inflating your ego—it’s about inspiring others. Here’s how to shift your mindset:
- Focus on the impact: Instead of simply listing what you did, highlight the value it created for your team or company.
- Stay authentic: Share in a way that feels true to you. Avoid exaggeration; just be honest about your contributions.
- Make it about others: Share lessons learned or insights that can benefit your colleagues or team.
Practical Steps to Own Your Story
If you’re not sure how to start, try these simple strategies:
- Keep a wins journal: Document your achievements, big or small, so you have a clear record of your contributions.
- Practice storytelling: Frame your accomplishments in a way that resonates with your audience—whether it’s your manager, team, or peers.
- Leverage professional platforms: Use LinkedIn or internal company channels to share updates about your work and its impact.
Why This Matters
Owning your story isn’t just about advancing your career—it’s about showing others what’s possible. When you step into your achievements and share them, you inspire others to do the same. You’re not just building your career; you’re creating a ripple effect of empowerment and growth within your professional circle.
So, if you’re hesitating to share your wins, remember this: Visibility is not vanity. It’s a tool for impact.
Start owning your story today.