Chances are you’ve heard those axioms. Our cultural norms encourage us to let our work speak for itself and be appropriately humble when recognition follows. Sounds good in theory, doesn’t it? We don’t like people who appear to be shameless self-promoters.
But at the same time, the role of the manager is to be an advocate for employees and the team, something that takes communication skills and strategy. It’s a careful dance: there’s sharing a success story — and then there’s bragging. There’s taking a bow — and then there’s upstaging others. There’s lobbying on behalf of one’s team — and then there’s empire building.
The assessment is in the eye of the beholder. It’s based on the relationships you build and the communication strategies you develop. Managers who are reticent to talk up their staff’s or their own good work often fear they’ll be seen as grand-standers and harm their relationships. Or, unsure how to manage up, they just keep a low profile, and assume some alchemy of office politics is afoot when other colleagues get recognition or resources.
That’s not fair to you or your team. You need to stay on the radar. Here are four ways great bosses do.
2. Network with the best and brightest. If you’re good at what you do, be generous in sharing your expertise. Be especially helpful to other high-performing managers whose knowledge you respect. Management researcher Robert E. Kelley studied the habits of top employees for his book, “How to Be a Star at Work” and discovered:
3. Shine the spotlight on others. There’s much to gain and little to lose when you offer applause to colleagues who have earned it. When you see others doing exceptional work and you call attention to it — personally to them and even publicly to the organization — you help them and yourself. You demonstrate that you know what quality looks like and are unafraid to stand in the shadow of that success. The key here is authenticity. The work must be worthy and your accolades should be specific, sincere and unselfish. You’re only the messenger, not a key part of the message. It’s all about them. And on those occasions in which the spotlight rightfully shines on you, widen it. Wise leaders know their success is never a solo act.
4. Volunteer. Let’s say you’re an introvert. You have little affinity for schmoozing and small talk with people you don’t know well. Let’s say you’re an extrovert who enjoys connecting with people but stays in your own work circle. In either case, you’re passing up opportunities to be on the radar in your organization. That’s why you should look for opportunities to volunteer for something meaningful outside your normal assignments. A company project, a task force, an event — especially something your boss supports. It gives you a chance to demonstrate your talent and values more broadly. You’ve done a good deed and raised your profile at the same time.
While the phrase “Nobody likes a show-off” may still ring in your ears from childhood, I would encourage you to give greater weight to this time-honored proverb, “Don’t hide your light under a bushel.”
Still worried that if you let your light shine, some people won’t think it’s such a bright idea? In today’s podcast I’ll tell you how to make sure you’re being seen and appreciated.
Poynter’s “What Great Bosses Know” podcast is sponsored by The City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. You can download a complete series of these podcasts free on iTunesU. Poynter’s leadership and management expert Jill Geisler shares practical information on leadership and management that’s valuable for bosses in newsrooms and all walks of life.
