Bragging Rights

January 18, 2012
Bragging Rights

Three-quarters of women execs say tooting your own horn is important, according to a recent survey. But more than half felt they were seen as “aggressive” for doing so.

When it comes to touting work accomplishments, men typically talk themselves up with little reservation, while women often hesitate for fear of being labeled a “bragger.”

We think it’s time to turn the word on its head. When done right, bragging is better!

“There’s a difference between negative attributes and being self-assured,” says Christine Jahnke, author of The Well-Spoken Woman and a speech coach who’s worked with Michelle Obama, among others.

Learning to speak up and highlight accomplishments is vital, especially in situations where “no one else is going to speak up for [you],” she says.

“Many women,” Jahnke explains, “get stuck on ‘we’ and ‘us’ instead of taking credit for what they’ve done.” This can be remedied by crediting both, saying something like, “On behalf of our team, I’m so proud of this project.”

Another way to get comfortable sharing achievements? Stick to facts while “being proud of it all,” says Mona Pearl, founder and COO of Beyond A Strategy, Inc.

Plus, Pearl adds, when it comes to what you’ve accomplished, “You worked for it, didn’t you? Why be ashamed – how else are they going to find out?”

Experts point out that knowing proper ways to “brag” will give you a better shot at landing a job – and the risk of being labeled a pushover vs. a bragger is likely more detrimental to your career.

Bonus PINK Link: Here’s how to channel your inner strength and
cultivate confidence.

By Christine Kim

“It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.”
Sally Field

*Supporting images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Kittikun Atsawintarangkul, kongsky, and scottchan.

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