It’s Not Bragging
Feb 1, 2013 12:01 PM, By Chriss Scherer, editor
Modesty is a virtue I think everyone admires. But history also shows us that the most modest people are not always the most recognized. It’s a double-edged sword for sure. We all want recognition for our accomplishments, but we don’t want to look like we’re seeking attention or overtly self-promoting ourselves.
In several conversations with my father over the years he reminded me, “If you’ve done it, it’s not bragging.” But there is a way to publicize the effort without being a glory hound.
There are lots of ways to earn a deserved recognition. There are very public recognitions for good work from professional societies and associations. The Association of Public Radio Engineers is currently accepting nominations for its annual engineering achievement award. The National Association of Broadcasters will announce its 2013 recipients very soon. The Society of Broadcast Engineers has an annual award program (and a Radio magazine article and author has received an honor every year since 2003). State broadcast associations have awards programs. Many broadcast companies have company-wide, regional or market award recognitions.
Most of these awards require a nomination. To some, nominating yourself for a recognition seems disingenuous. But who knows your accomplishments better than you? The nomination doesn’t have to be bloated with self-serving prose; the facts will speak for themselves. But it’s worthwhile to make an effort to receive the proper recognition for what you’ve done.
But I’m not suggesting the only way to receive recognition is to be given an award. While a national or regional recognition certainly feels good, recognition from your coworkers or local SBE chapter is just as important. Even recognition from your supervisor is important.
Think of your last job review. Too often, the employee review process is viewed as a burdensome, annoying task to fulfill some mandate from human resources. If it’s viewed that way, that’s all it will be. But in most cases, the review process allows a supervisor to ask the employee for input. The easy effort is to review the existing goals and submit evidence of them being met. But take the extra step and provide information on other accomplishments, especially those not required by your last review.
Perhaps you earned or increased your SBE Certification. Be sure to note that. And when you apply for SBE Certification, there is a portion of the application that asks if a supervisor can be notified if you pass. By all means, include at least your supervisor and even the owner and other managers. Perhaps you earned another job-related certification. Maybe you took a class.
What about projects? Successfully completing a project certainly qualifies as something to tout. And if you did so ahead of schedule, or without any off-air time, or under budget, be sure to note that.
How do you remember everything you’ve done? It’s obvious, but keep a list. Even a slip of paper in a folder noting a success is a start. I’ve heard complaints that someone doesn’t have the time to track efforts in this way, but it will pay off in the end. Make the note while the experience is fresh in your mind.
A little self-promotion can go a long way, and it can be done in a way to show you’re part of the team. Some may not feel comfortable in putting themselves up front, but remember, if you’ve done it, it’s not bragging.
February 2013
KEZW goes green with solar power, safety in the workplace, audio editing software, World Radio Day and the UN, and the MXL BCC-1….
