Everyone, male and female, can benefit from this article, by Andrea S. Kramer, Esq., about how to cite your accomplishments.
In fact, it may be the best two-page read I’ve ever seen; so feel free to download Bragging Rights before you continue reading this post!
How a Lawyer Learned About Bragging Rights
As you’ll see from Kramer’s article, her job in a high-status law firm gave her an opportunity to review the self-evaluations of lawyers in her firm who were up for promotion.
Now you might think that, working for a wealthy and respected law firm would give most people confidence.
You might think that these elite, successful lawyers would therefore be able to talk about their achievements with ease.
But in the case of one group — women — you’d be wrong!
Exercise Your Bragging Rights, No Matter Your Background, Business, or Gender
Although Kramer’s Bragging Rights was written for women lawyers, the examples that are black boxed on the second page of her article are equally important for men and women.
Even more helpfully, the specific phrases she suggests — “I took on a key role when I did X,” “I have successfully completed Y” — can easily be adapted to any industry or job situation, including yours!
My strong suggestion, if you care about moving forward in your career, is to take these statements, adapt them to your situation, memorize them, and practice saying them out loud so that you’ll have them easily available when needed.
“Bragging” Doesn’t Make You an Obnoxious Lout
Many of us hesitate to “brag” about our achievements, because,
- We don’t like shining a spotlight on ourselves;
- We’ve been taught that talking about our accomplishments is rude;
- We think that our good work should speak for itself; or
- We don’t want to “be like” those obnoxious braggers we all know.
Fortunately, there’s a third choice (besides being obnoxious, or staying silent), and Kramer’s article reveals it.
When you cite the facts of what you’ve accomplished — without pride, and without embellishment — you can “brag” in a completely professional and effective way.
But don’t take my word for it (or Kramer’s).
Try out your bragging rights, and see how they work!
