How Well Do You Brag?

Nobody likes a blowhard, but the fear of being an obnoxious bragger may be holding you back...

Talking yourself up has the potential to make your team look impressive, shed light on what it is you do, and maybe even propel you toward a promotion.  But many of us are afraid to blow our own horn.  Even if someone complements us, we often deflect it, with self-deprecating humor or false humility.

Meredith Fineman, publicist and author of Brag Better, was astounded by how many talented professionals were reluctant to acknowledge their most impressive accomplishments. 

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Rachel Feintzeig offers some tips for overcoming the fear of self-praise:

• Don't Fear the “I” Word:  We think saying “I”…even once in a while, doesn't make us a good team player.  But sometimes the hero of your story really is you.  Did you bring in that client?  Did you close that deal?  It's alright to say so.
• Own Your Own Story:  How did you do what you did?  If you don't tell your story, someone else is likely to make up a different version.  You can share the glory, and still talk about your positive impact on the organization, and what you are excited to tackle next.
• Drop the humblebrag:  Faux humility rarely fools anyone.  Research from Harvard Business School found that humblebraggers were seen as less competent and less likable than those who just straight-up boasted.  Research co-author Professor Michael Norton said they were also perceived as “dishonest and insincere.”

When was the last time you bragged a little, and how did it feel?  To join the conversation, click on  "comments" comments below.

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