How to avoid a mid - career bragging hangover
It's not by playing small.
As we all age and our careers rise and fall, we often find it more difficult to brag about our achievements, especially as women.
With age often comes greater humility. Life experiences and the recognition of others' contributions can make it more about the team, quieting your ability to share how great we are or what you accomplished. In team meetings or to clients, make sure to take credit for your part or the entirety of your wins. Repeat them often so it’s not lost. You can also talk about the team effort in emails, posts and conference calls just don’t leave yourself out.
Externally we are so much more Socially Aware. Your heightened sensitivity to social norms and the feelings of others. After being bullied or having ideas stolen, you might think you need to be silent in success to avoid social friction or alienating others. This is a shame to do all the work and not take credit. If nothing else, have a brag folder that makes you smiles internally when you have a bad day.
Women often hesitate to celebrate our wins or successes rooted in psychological, social, and company culture.
Do you fear judgement of others as arrogance? Do you want to be valued but fear boasting? Is your self doubt taking over? Is backlash of other mean girls quieting you? Do you hate the focus being on you?
It’s so important to move into celebration even if you do have fear.
Try Celebrating a Win with this recipe to avoid that bragging hangover.
Celebrating a win involves naming what did work and how you lead the team or client to that success. Sharing achievements with humility, inclusivity, and respect is the boomerang effect of positive leadership.
Gratitude: Expressing thanks to those who helped and supported.
Humility: Acknowledging the role of others and not also stating your own contributions.
Inclusivity: Sharing the joy with others and inviting them to join in the celebration.
Positivity: Fostering an environment of encouragement and mutual respect will make everyone want to work with you.
Stop avoiding celebrating. It’s so much fun to reach a goal—big or small. Talk about what is working in a world of struggle is uplifting.
