The Management Tip of the Day

Promote Yourself Without Seeming Self-Centered.‌ Talking about your accomplishments can make you appear more competent and capable, but it can also make you seem colder, less friendly, and more selfish. In contrast, self-deprecation, deflecting credit, or sharing setbacks can make you seem more approachable—but less competent. Researchers found that you can walk this tightrope by practicing "dual promotion," or pairing a self-promotional statement with one that highlights or compliments someone else. Start by identifying whom you want to promote alongside yourself. At the office, praise your colleagues' work before you mention your own. If you're in a competition of some kind, compliment your competitor. If you're engaged in a more individual endeavor—for example, writing a novel—compliment a colleague whom you admire. Be sure that your compliments of others are genuine and specific. Overly general praise lands as disingenuous and fake. Then, focus on yourself. Share your meaningful achievements—and don't be shy about claiming the credit you deserve. Today’s Tip  Promote Yourself Without Seeming Self-Centered Talking about your accomplishments can make you appear more competent and capable, but it can also make you seem colder, less friendly, and more selfish. In contrast, self-deprecation, deflecting credit, or sharing setbacks can make you seem more approachable—but less competent. Researchers found that you can walk this tightrope by practicing "dual promotion," or pairing a self-promotional statement with one that highlights or compliments someone else. Start by identifying whom you want to promote alongside yourself. At the office, praise your colleagues' work before you mention your own. If you're in a competition of some kind, compliment your competitor. If you're engaged in a more individual endeavor—for example, writing a novel—compliment a colleague whom you admire. Be sure that your compliments of others are genuine and specific. Overly general praise lands as disingenuous and fake. Then, focus on yourself. Share your meaningful achievements—and don't be shy about claiming the credit you deserve. This tip is adapted from “How to Self-Promote — Without Sounding Self-Centered,” by Eric M. VanEpps et al. ADVERTISEMENT Stay connected with HBR We make it our job to help you do yours. Subscribe to HBR and unlock access to unrivaled business insight and resources. Choose your subscription plan Podcast How to Motivate a Demotivated Team Professor and author Richard Boyatzis takes questions from listeners who are struggling to keep their teams engaged. Listen now Ebook or hardcover The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You by Michael Gervais and Kevin Lake $30.00 Learn more Don’t forget you’re entitled to 20% off your first purchase* *Use promo code HBRORGREG4. View details here. View in browser Contact us Privacy policy Manage newsletter preferences Unsubscribe

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