Team Up

For leaders who naturally shy away from self-promotion, the key is to use tactics and behaviours that are effective and maintain a sense of authenticity. For example, leaders who are uncomfortable touting their accomplishments may want to find a colleague with a similar struggle. That way, coworkers can promote each other, so each gains greater visibility in the workplace.

Think of Self-Promotion Strategically

Plan what you communicate and how. Be consistent with your promotional strategies, maintain your credibility and be sincere.

Connect With Others

Build relationships with colleagues inside and beyond your department. Take the time to make the rounds and talk with them about your work. This will give you an opportunity to share the projects you're working on -- and the value they're bringing to the company -- with more people, thus raising your profile in the organization and making more people aware of what you're doing.

Create Opportunities to Promote Yourself

Step into the spotlight. Volunteer to facilitate meetings or for projects that will showcase your strengths. Join an industry association. These actions lend themselves to increasing your visibility.

Be Honest With Yourself and Your Colleagues

Your promotional efforts will be more effective if people in your organization respect you and your credibility. To earn their respect, you have to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. You have to be proactive, and you can't ignore problems. If you can curtail difficulties by planning ahead, you'll increase your credibility. And don't pull rank. Value people at all levels of the organization and highlight their accomplishments, too.

Reframe Your Beliefs About Self-Promotion

To overcome any aversion you feel toward selling your accomplishments, it's helpful to reframe your beliefs. When you look at self-promotion from a positive perspective, it will feel more natural to you. Here are some examples of several misconceptions about self-promotion and how they can be reframed.