Metadata
- Author: hbr.org
- Full Title: Savvy Self-Promotion
- URL: https://hbr.org/2021/05/savvy-self-promotion
Highlights
If someone unexpectedly compliments you publicly, resist the instinct to humbly downplay it; a smile or a simple “Thank you” will suffice.review When someone compliments you, resist the urge to downplay it.
Research indicates that when people present a balanced picture of themselves, rather than discussing only successes, they come across as more credible and affable. Those with high status, in particular, should acknowledge failures and foibles as well as achievements, not only because such candor is laudable, but also because it makes them less likely to come across as brash, unlikable, and worthy of envyreview
My colleagues and I have recently found that managers, in particular, benefit from revealing small weaknesses, because it causes their employees to view them as more authentic, which leads to greater trust and motivation. However, the positive effect accrued only when the weakness was relatively mild (“I am nervous about public speaking”) rather than serious (“I’m so nervous about public speaking that I sometimes start to panic”).review