In the previous article, we explored two top challenges related to self-promotion. This article will delve into additional common challenges individuals may face in their journey toward effective advocacy.
1. Overcoming Shyness. Many people are reticent to talk about their accomplishments in front of others because they may not know what to say or how to say it.
· Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone. Leadership often involves moving beyond what’s familiar to develop new skills. You may be good at back-of-the-room leadership, doing great work behind the scenes but it’s also essential to know how to excel when front-of-the-room leadership is required. While initial awkwardness may occur when you are developing this muscle, it means you are learning and doing hard things, and the long-term personal growth benefits will eclipse the short-term pains.
2. Letting Your Work Speak for Itself. In How Women Rise, Sally Helgeson labels this career-limiting habit as “expecting others to spontaneously notice and reward your hard work.” This passive approach can hinder your career progression.
· Taking Initiative. People are too busy to notice what you are doing, they are in non-stop meetings, have full agendas, and are working hard to hit their deadlines. Rather than take this passive approach, speaking about the work and providing context that highlights its quality is better. Nobody will be able to advocate for yourself the way you can, and how can you get recognized by leadership if they have no visibility into the work you are doing?
3. Managing Busyness. Some feel like they have a million things going on and do not have the headspace to think about how they will share what they are doing. This is especially true if you are a high achiever who cares about being a good leader; you are usually always in action mode and do not have time to reflect, zoom out, and think about how you can position yourself.
· Viewing Self-Promotion as Essential. Rather than consider self-advocacy as a separate task, view it as an integral part of your job. When a company develops a new product, that’s only part of their work. They then have to market it. If you think you are too busy, you will stay in your current role and not prepare for what’s next. It is essential to take time to step back and prioritize your career advancement because nobody will manage your career the way you can.
4. Balancing Enjoying Good Work. Some individuals find great satisfaction in helping others and believe that getting recognized is secondary. While valuing good work is commendable, recognition is essential for career progression.
· Reframing Recognition. The acknowledgment of your contributions can lead to more significant opportunities to make a broader impact. Avoid being pigeonholed and overlooked for growth opportunities by ensuring your work is noticed and appreciated.
5. Navigating the Double Bind. In some cultures, stereotypes about gender and leadership may pose unique challenges regarding self-promotion, particularly for women. Traditional ideals of leadership are often associated with qualities such as decisiveness, assertiveness, and independence, which can align more closely with masculinity. Conversely, women are expected to exhibit traits like nurturing and selflessness. This disconnect places female leaders in a double bind, where they must navigate a delicate balance between demonstrating competence and likability. Research has shown that women excelling in traditionally male-dominated fields may be perceived as competent but less likable than their male counterparts. Behaviors considered self-confidence and assertiveness in men may be viewed as arrogance or abrasiveness in women. On the other hand, women who adopt a conventionally feminine leadership style may be liked but not respected, as they may be seen as too emotional or soft to make tough decisions. These challenges underscore that self-promotion can be more complex for certain groups.
· Defying Stereotypes. It's important to acknowledge that these challenges persist, and people may form perceptions of you even when you're not actively self-promoting. Ruth Bader Ginsberg, a former Supreme Court Justice who graduated at the top of her class at Columbia Law School, faced jealousy and derogatory comments from male colleagues. Her response, "better to be called a bitch than mouse (and not ever speaking up)," highlights the importance of not shrinking oneself to conform to others' expectations. Had women in the 70s been overly concerned with meeting societal expectations, the management field would be largely devoid of women. It's crucial not to diminish yourself to please others; instead, approach this challenge with thoughtfulness and intention.
· Challenging Perceptions. Another valuable strategy is to challenge others' definitions and perceptions. For instance, if someone labels you ambitious, inquire about their definition. If their definition carries a negative connotation (doing whatever you can to get to the top), provide your interpretation (someone eager to maximize opportunities and rise through the ranks to make a significant impact). By taking control of the narrative and asserting your definitions, you can effectively navigate the complexities of self-promotion in the face of societal stereotypes.
Overcoming these common challenges can pave the way for effective self-promotion and career advancement, ensuring that your accomplishments receive the recognition they deserve.
Quote of the day: "The most important career decision you'll ever make is whether you will promote yourself." - Clare Boothe Luce
Question: What effective strategies do you employ to self-promote? Who do you know that does this well, and what do they do? Comment and share below; we’d love to hear from you!
The next blog in this series 3/7 will focus on specific approaches to elevating your work.
As a leadership development and executive coach, I work with leaders to communicate effectively including strategically self-promoting, contact me to explore this topic further.
How do you promote yourself graciously?