[A] Strike a balance

[B] Share when others are sharing

[C] Listen to objective advice

[D] Promote through a middle person

[E] Celebrate the right way

[F] Be cautious of your weakness

[G] Share when asked

Five Ways to Realize Self-Promotion

We know that success at work depends on being—and being seen as—both competent and likable. You need people to notice your growth and accomplishments while also enjoying your company. But if you draw attention to the value you’ve created—to ensure that managers and peers recognize it—you risk coming across as a shameless self-promoter. Here are five ways to realize the benefits of self-promotion without resistance.

【R1】________

Humility is admirable. But if someone requests information or an answer that requires you to reveal positives about yourself, you should do it. We found that if you’re given an opportunity to boast—for example, by being asked, “What are your greatest strengths?” or “How did you finish that so quickly?“—ignoring it can raise suspicion. We found that not answering such questions may cause people to think you’re neither trustworthy nor likable.

【R2】________

Have you noticed that when someone shares something personal with you, whether it be a point of pride or a shortcoming, you are often triggered to share yours? Indeed, a series of studies found that when people were told that others had revealed personal information, it prompted them to reciprocate in kind. Research indicates that in situations where others share too, people can successfully convey their accomplishments without coming across as unlikable or inconsiderate.

【R3】________

Athletes, musicians, and actors hire publicists and agents for good reason. A middle person is seen as less self-serving and thus provides an aura of objectivity. The same can be true in business settings. Studies have shown that a candidate who boasted through others was better liked, seen as more competent, and awarded higher pay than the self-promotional one. Other research indicates that secondhand boasting is also less likely to elicit negative emotions such as envy and annoyance.

Of course, no one brings an agent to a performance review, and it’s rare to have a cheerleading recruiter attend your job interviews. But you can find your peers, bosses, mentors, and sponsors, who will be happy to speak up on your behalf—as long as you are respectful. This is easier than you might think.

【R4】________

Even when you see a clear opening to highlight your accomplishments, you should be careful about it. Research indicates that when people present a balanced picture of themselves, rather than discussing only successes, they come across as more credible and reliable. This strategy works because humans are much more adept at making relative judgments than absolute ones: When negative information is sprinkled into a largely positive narrative, we compare the two, which allows accomplishments to stand out and be more readily accepted.

【R5】________

We all want our achievements to be recognized and applauded. It’s a boost to morale and well-being. And there are ways to celebrate without coming across as boastful. One is to find a circle of close friends at work and outside it who will cheer your victories as if they were their own. Research shows that telling friends about your successes can improve those relationships. Solo celebrations work too. Treat yourself to a nice meal, a new dress, or just a relaxing night in with your favorite TV show. It can be beneficial to get more benefits out of achievements by celebrating them.

【R2】