If you feel like you do some pretty great work but no one ever notices, you might be tempted to big yourself up a bit.
Of course, highlighting your achievements or patting yourself on the back without seeming like an arrogant jerk is easier said than done. However, it is possible if you know what you’re doing. Here’s how to toot your own horn in a non-annoying way.
1. Why blowing your own trumpet actually matters
Look, talking about yourself isn’t just about feeding your ego. In this dog-eat-dog world, you’ve got to be your own cheerleader sometimes. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new gig or trying to climb that career ladder, knowing how to showcase your skills is key. It’s not about being a bragger, it’s about letting people know what you bring to the table.
2. Stick to the facts, not the fluff.
When you’re talking up your wins, keep it real. Don’t go on about being “the best” at something — that’s just asking for eye rolls. Instead, throw out some solid examples. Like, “I smashed my sales targets by 30% last quarter.” Boom. No argument there, right? Let your actions do the talking.
3. Try the compliment sandwich, but for yourself.
Here’s a neat trick: sandwich your achievement between two bits of context. Start with the situation, then drop in what you did, and finish with the impact. For example: “We were in a right pickle with this project deadline. I came up with a new way of doing things, and we ended up finishing two days early. The client was chuffed to bits and signed up for another year.”
4. Don’t hog all the glory.
When you’re basking in the glow of success, spread some of that sunshine around. Give your team a shout-out too. You could say something like, “With my awesome team backing me up, I managed to steer the project to the finish line ahead of schedule.” It shows you’re not just out for yourself.
5. Don’t forget to care about what other people are up to.
Balance is key, so while you’re sharing your wins, make sure you’re asking about other people’s triumphs too. Get curious about their experiences. It’s a two-way street — people are more likely to listen to your success stories if they know you’re interested in theirs too.
6. A bit of self-deprecating humour goes a long way.
If you’re feeling awkward about tooting your own horn, throw in a joke at your own expense. Something like, “I never thought I’d be any good at public speaking, but after boring 50 audiences last year, I’ve somehow become decent at it — though I still get the jitters!” It shows you’re confident but not taking yourself too seriously.
7. Show how your wins help other people.
Instead of just banging on about how great you are, talk about how your work makes things better for everyone. Don’t just say you boosted sales. Try something like, “By revamping our customer service, we got our satisfaction rates up by 25%, which meant more repeat business for everyone.” See? It’s not just about you — it’s about the bigger picture.
8. Let other people sing your praises.
If someone’s said nice things about your work, don’t be shy about sharing it. It’s especially handy on places like LinkedIn where you can show off recommendations. And hey, if someone compliments you, there’s no harm in asking if they’d mind putting it in writing or telling the boss.
9. Practice makes perfect.
Talking about your achievements can feel weird at first, so practice in front of the mirror or with a friend. Pay attention to how you come across — you want to hit that sweet spot between excited and modest. The more you do it, the more natural it’ll feel.
10. Timing is everything.
There’s a time and place for everything, including bigging yourself up. Job interviews, performance reviews, networking dos — these are all fair game. In everyday chats, look for openings where your experience might be relevant. Just read the room, yeah?
11. Tell a story, not a list.
People remember stories better than a bunch of facts and figures. So when you’re talking about your wins, make it into a mini-story. Talk about the challenges, what you did, and how it all turned out. It’s more engaging and shows off your problem-solving skills too.
12. Keep track of your wins.
Start a list of all the good stuff you’ve done, big and small. It’s handy to have when you need to remind people how awesome you are, and it’s a nice confidence boost when you’re feeling a bit rubbish. Keep it updated with projects, outcomes, and any nice things people have said about your work.
13. Keep it real.
While it’s important to shout about your achievements, don’t go overboard. Don’t exaggerate or take credit for stuff you didn’t do. Your self-promotion should still sound like you. If you’re naturally on the modest side, find a way to big yourself up that doesn’t make you cringe. Being genuine builds trust, and that makes your achievements even more impressive.
14. Remember, it gets easier with practice.
Like anything, talking about your achievements gets easier the more you do it. Don’t worry if it feels weird at first. Start small by sharing your successes with your friends or close colleagues. As you get more comfortable, you can start doing it in bigger settings. Before you know it, you’ll be a pro at singing your own praises without feeling like a plonker.
