For Introverts Who Struggle to Talk About Their Achievements

I recently conducted my last #IAmRemarkable workshop of the year. As always, attendees were a diverse lot, experience-wise and geographically. What was common in them? A hesitation to acknowledge and share their achievements! We grow up believing – Our work should speak for itself. Praise matters only when received from others. If we work hard, the rest will take care of itself. It is my job to do my job, and it is my boss’s job to build visibility for me. Talking about oneself is bragging. These beliefs compromise our ability to claim credit for our achievements. This is especially hard for introverts, and many shy away from sharing their accomplishments because they feel inauthentic talking about themselves. My coaching clients share receiving feedback like – Your work is fine, but no one knows about you. You need to build your visibility. You are not there yet. Etc., etc. They experience firsthand that accomplishments do not speak for themselves, yet breaking the barriers of cultural conditioning can be hard. So, if you are an introvert and identify with the scenario painted above, I invite you to reflect on the following to take charge of the narrative around you – What do you want to be known for? What do you want people to say, think, and feel about you? What current actions and behaviors are serving you to meet these goals? What is one additional action/behavior you can commit to help you build your visibility? What is one action/behavior that you will stop doing to support you in building the image you want? Pick one action and do it consistently till it stops feeling hard. You will find that taking the next step is easier, and the next one even more so! Remember, building your visibility is not about loud, obnoxious behavior but intentional steps taken consistently. It is a skill you can cultivate with consistent, intentional action.