The Power of Being Your Own Champion

Voting for Yourself in the Workplace

In the hustle and bustle of the modern workplace, it’s easy to feel like just another cog in the machine. But what if I told you one of the secrets to career success is simpler than you think? It's time to start voting for yourself by championing your achievements, asking for what you want, and doing so with confidence and power. For women, especially, mastering the art of self-promotion can be a game-changer.

The Power of Self-Promotion

Self-promotion isn't about bragging or being boastful; it’s about recognising your worth and ensuring that others see it too. A study by LinkedIn found that 85% of critical jobs are filled through networking, not traditional job applications. This highlights the importance of visibility and personal branding. Women in particular, however, often hesitate to promote their accomplishments due to fears of being perceived as arrogant or unlikeable. These fears also play out in the lack of networking and making and nurturing connections. This fear of reaching out to people is common theme that is highlighted when people find themselves in a redundancy situation or wanting a career change.

So Why Women Should Champion Themselves in Particular?

1. Breaking Stereotypes: Traditional gender roles have often painted women as more modest and self-effacing. By advocating for yourself, you break these stereotypes and set a powerful example for others.
2. Closing the Confidence Gap: Research from Hewlett Packard revealed that men will apply for a job if they meet 60% of the qualifications, while women will apply only if they meet 100%. This indicates a significant confidence gap that can be narrowed by consistently advocating for oneself.
3. Gaining Visibility: Visibility leads to opportunities. A Catalyst survey found that women who were proactively self-promotional advanced further in their careers. Your accomplishments need to be seen and heard to be rewarded.

So how can we go about publicising and sharing our knowledge and experience (notice I haven’t mentioned the word ‘selling’!)

Strategies for Powerful Self-Promotion

1. Know Your Worth: Begin by recognising your achievements. Keep a record of your successes, big and small, and regularly update it. This will help you articulate your value when opportunities arise. Quantifying those achievements in terms of the value they add to the organisation will add weight to the discussion.
2. Speak Up in Meetings: Take initiative to voice your ideas and solutions. Speaking up not only shows your expertise but also your willingness to contribute to the team's success.
3. Seek Out Leadership Roles: Volunteer for leadership roles in projects or committees. This not only demonstrates your capabilities but also puts you in a position where your efforts are more visible.
4. Network Strategically: Build relationships with key stakeholders in your organisation. Networking is not just about making connections but making the right connections. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage on professional social media platforms like LinkedIn.
5. Ask for What You Want: Whether it’s a raise, a promotion, or a new opportunity, don’t wait for it to be handed to you. A study by Harvard Business Review found that women ask for raises as often as men but are less likely to get it. Approach these conversations with confidence, backed by a solid track record of your accomplishments.
6. Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your achievements, thought leadership articles, and professional milestones. This not only builds your personal brand but also keeps you top-of-mind in your professional network.

The Impact of Self-Promotion

The impact of self-promotion on career advancement is significant. With the move to remote working research carried out by the University of Warsaw showed that managers were less likely to promote people or give a pay rise to remote workers. Some large companies actively communicate this to their staff, others may not. With that in mind, it’s now more important than ever, to share your wins seems like something to add to your career plan. It’s good for business and for you.

Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

However, I’m not suggesting you spend all your time talking about yourself. However it is worth investing in dedicating some focussed time to understanding and seeking out those who would benefit from knowing what you can do. Also, having those people trust you and be an advocate for you to help you advance your career has to be a good way to be valued and recognised.

If the idea of self-promotion still feels uncomfortable, start small. Begin by sharing your accomplishments with a trusted colleague or mentor. As you become more comfortable, gradually expand your audience. Remember, promoting yourself is not about overshadowing others but about ensuring your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.

Conclusion

Voting for yourself in the workplace is about more than just climbing the career ladder; it’s about embracing your value and ensuring it’s recognised. By championing yourself, asking for what you want, and doing so with confidence and power, you pave the way for not only your success but also for other people to follow. It's time to break the silence, step into the spotlight, and vote for yourself. Your career deserves it.

If you would like support in working out your achievements and how to share those achievements get in touch ( email or book a call joanne@joannecoaching.com) to discuss how coaching conversations can help.

Get sharing your accomplishments.

Joanne