Navigating The Fine Line Between Confidence and Bragging
Published: Thu, 09/16/21
Hello !
I bet there are times when you're in conversations and instead of sharing something you're proud of or something you've accomplished, you hold back.
Sometimes, we believe that talking about ourselves is bragging which may limit you from sharing at all.
There can be a fine line between projecting yourself confidently and communicating in a way that sounds and feels like bragging---especially in career conversations. When you confidently share your value proposition, recipients
learn how you can help make an impact or be a resource. In the case of talking with a hiring manager, your confident presentation of your value helps them understand how they can have a faster return on their investment in you.
How to Show CONFIDENCE Without Bragging as
Part of Your Career Strategy.
TELL STORIES GENUINELY - Telling memorable stories about your accomplishments helps you stand out from the other candidates. But to come across as genuine, it’s important to tell these
stories in a thoughtful way that also highlights the contributions of others and factors that may have led to your success. Will your story demonstrate how you can be a resource for the person listening?
CONSIDER HOW YOU USE LANGUAGE - Avoid using absolute statements or subjective statements. Instead of saying, “I was the best salesperson at "The Company", try saying that you were
recognized for exceeding your sales objective and produced 20% over the team’s average.
CONFIDENTLY PRESENT YOUR VALUE PROPOSITION - In order to clearly articulate your value without sounding like you are bragging, focus on the employer and what's in it for THEM if they hire you.
Prepare using our VALUE PROPOSITION WORKSHEET.
ANSWER QUESTIONS AUTHENTICALLY - Be well prepared for your interviews. For instance, one of the most common questions during an interview is “What is your greatest weakness?” If you answer this by
saying that you work too hard or that you are a perfectionist, it can make you sound like you are bragging, even if what you are saying is true. So it is better to talk about an area of your skills that you are working on, what you are doing to build that skill, and the benefits that it will contribute to your work..
Your own limiting beliefs can hold you back. Instead, displaying confidence and presenting your value proposition will build certainty in
the mind of the hiring manager that you are the ideal person for the job.
When connecting, always send a personal note rather than the standard LinkedIn message.
First impressions matter so when you find your audience and want to reach out for a connection with the intention of building a relationship, make sure your message implies that the benefits are mutual.
We all receive our share of invitations, so what sounds compelling when someone reaches out to you for a connection? What would make you want to connect and take the time for an introduction?
I receive many messages that sound like this....
Hey Penny, Would you be open to connecting? I love connecting with other coaches and networking here on LinkedIn. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.
Let's evaluate why I would NOT be inclined to connect...
This message is all about the sender and their "love" of connecting with other coaches and networking. But, what about the recipient? How is the connection beneficial?
A more effective invitation would state something that was noticed within my profile that inspired the invite and suggest that we can be mutual resources. The offer of being helpful to me would be more valuable if it was more specific. Here's an alternate,,,
"Hey Penny, I noticed that you have a lot of videos describing your services and focus on your career strategy offerings for tech executives. I've successfully worked with technology leaders as well and perhaps we can be mutual resources. Are you open to connecting?"
A compelling invitation is one where the recipient sees the benefit of the connection and potential for a subsequent introduction.
Walking the fine line between confidence and bragging isn't over when you get the job. You have to utilize these same skills with your new co-workers and team in order to portray that you deserve to be there but not come off as
bragging or that you think that you are better than them. Here is a great article on how to navigate those waters.
ARTICLE:
DON’T LET YOUR DEFICIENCY OVERWHELM YOUR PROFICIENCY
Eblin Group
"When you’re new to a leadership role or new to an organization it can be a challenge to project the right amount of grounded confidence that you belong and can contribute."
