So Reader, a friend of mine plopped a short post on LinkedIn the other day.

He wrote:

"I NEVER talk about accomplishments--it feels like a brag. But [wife's name] says I should. So, I got promoted to VP of Technology and Innovation. That is all. #babysteps."

Now, what do you think happened next? Did his connections say:

• Yeah, that's over the top, dude--please stop bragging. And tell your wife to quit nagging you, too.
• Who are you to get promoted while the rest of us suffer through our layoffs and stalled careers?
• Stop lording your good work over the rest of us mere mortals.

Of course not.

What happened was that over 100 people chimed in. They not only offered the standard "congrats!" and smiling emojis 😍 but they reminded him:

• How deserving he was of the title based on all he'd done,
• How much he'd contributed to the company, colleagues and clients, and
• How happy they were about his continued success.

Why do good people assume bragging is bad?

Now, you might know I've taught webinars and live workshops on "bragging" (which in our professional lives, actually means communicating and advocating for our value).

And here's the mistake we humans make—at least, we humans who want to be good leaders to those we serve.

We want to be humble and other-focused, so we think our own pride is inappropriate.

We don't want to sound arrogant or "better" lest people dislike or distrust us.

Your success does not negate mine (or Erika's, or Sabir's). In fact, our successes serve as evidence that good stuff IS possible (something sorely needed among all the news about what's broken.)

And, as Dizzy Dean once said, "It ain't braggin' if it's true."

So what's your truth, Reader? What's the one thing you're proud of right now, the thing that's going well? Hit REPLY and tell me! Don't edit or censor--just spill, even if you don't think anything you're doing is a big deal. It is to me, because it's about YOU.

As my buddy saw after he posted his note, no one thought he was over-tooting his too-quiet horn.

In fact, I know a few people were encouraged. It reminded them of what might be possible in their own lives at work. It counteracts all the negative craptasticness that fills our inboxes and brains.

Remember, your brag doesn't have to make folks gag--and it might even inspire them to soar.

Always, Darcy

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P.S. Did you know that Part Two of my book includes my best scripts and strategies to help you Revise What You Say. Fave chapters include how to rewrite your story and ask for what you need. If you haven't read it yet, I'd be honored if you'd get yourself a copy at your choice of online bookseller or Audible).

Or, if you already have a copy but haven't dug in, make sure you sign up for my free toolkit where I walk you through the key lessons in each chapter (and it includes downloadable charts for those of you listening to the audiobook!). Enjoy and keep soaring! --D 😎