Toot Your Own Horn

For some of us, it’s hard to self-promote; to tell others that we are good at what we do.

Growing up I was taught that hard work would be rewarded.  As long as I took care of my room and was basically a good kid, my behavior was recognized.

At school when I put in the time and effort, I was rewarded with good grades and praise, advancement to the next level, and achievements like National Honor Society.

After college reality struck as I realized that, despite all of my hard work and effort, my good results had the potential to go unnoticed in the corporation. 

My eyes were opened to this when I began to notice colleagues talking openly about their achievements in front of key management.

At first I thought they were just being obnoxious and bragging.  Especially since some of these individuals were not really achieving any more than I was at the same point in time.

I remember thinking they were making a social faux pas; that all of their good work would be recognized and rewarded at review time.

Boy was I wrong.

I failed to understand that part of being in the “real world” included self-promotion.

In other words, Toot Your Own Horn.

The key is to own your story and package your achievements in a positive, non-bragging way to the right people.

Easier said than done; certainly something I didn’t learn in business school and definitely not at home.

My nephew reminded me of the importance of self-promotion.  A high school senior and kicker on the football team, he has earned the right to brag.  He’s good; really good.  It’s not just me, his proud aunt, saying so. His stats speak for themselves.

Accolades from coaches at kicking camps, including an NFL kicker, accompany the sizzle reel he’s sending out to college coaches.

Yet his quiet, confidence – an asset when kicking under intense pressure on the field – is almost a detriment now.

Just like his aunt when she was the same age, he believes his work should speak for itself. 

My advice to him is the same as it would be to anyone in corporate: speak up, with confidence. 

Whether it’s the CEO, your immediate manager, or in my nephew’s case, a college scout or local news media, make sure you have your talking points ready.

For my nephew, it’s the all important question, “Are you a good kicker?”

He needs to look the person in the eye and say, “Yes. My field goal percentage is X“, and rattle off the one or two stats they need to hear.

That’s not bragging; that’s unemotional self-promotion.

And it may get him the job he wants.