PROMOTE YOURSELF
It’s ironic indeed, that I want my friends not to feel embarrassed about promoting themselves who have worked hard, while I also feel the same way. I’m worried about being seen as arrogant.
For example, when I was asked to write an opinion like this several years ago. I always feel like it’s not appropriate to write it, as if there’s nothing important to share.
However, today there is something important that I will confidently share through this article: let’s acknowledge our hard work together. Acknowledging hard work is not disrespectful, but is an effort to fight for empowerment.
This March, all women in the world commemorate International Women’s Day. On this occasion, I invite us all to recognize and celebrate your achievements, both women and men.
When our hard work is appreciated at work, don’t ignore it. As simple as saying, “Thank you, it’s really nice to get this appreciation,” is an effort to thank yourself humbly, without the need to humble yourself and think it’s the team’s performance.
However, when your achievements are ignored, speak politely. Share your success story with the people around you, and don’t hesitate to ask the people closest to you to promote your hard work for what it is.
Returning to my friend’s draft, he finally asked the HR department to write an appointment announcement that better reflected his achievements during his career, exactly as I suggested.
In this regard, I do not hesitate to acknowledge my contribution to pushing my friends one step further towards equality.
This opinion piece was written by Janice Wong, an experienced strategic communications professional who holds a PhD in Business, with a research focus on corporate communications. This opinion piece was first published in TODAY.
