The Hidden Cost of Humility: Why Owning Your Wins Matters in Your Career

Hey everyone! Shannon here...

They say there's no I in team. That the collective accomplishments of the team matter more than individual contributions. We are trained early on in our careers not to brag or fuss over things we do on a personal scale that impact the workplace or the team.

Teamwork is important, don't get me wrong. Being a team player in a corporate setting is an attribute that will get you places. Does that mean we have to downplay our own personal contributions, ideas, and accomplishments? Absolutely not.

I myself an incredibly guilty of this. I do not seek out or require any kind of recognition for things I do at work or in my personal life. I go out of my way to downplay my role in everything in favor of focusing on the team effort instead. Where has this gotten me? Not much of anywhere. It's one of my bigger career mistakes. I'm still working on this one, and you should be also. Why though? What benefits are there to speaking up, standing out, and taking credit for your own accomplishments and ideas?

Recognition is important for career advancement in many careers. Owning your accomplishments helps others - including your superiors - see your contributions and hard work. This can potentially help with promotions, raises, and even new career opportunities down the line. Your unique skills and contributions may be exactly what another role or even company needs and is looking for. This can also have the added benefit of networking opportunities which can also lead to opportunities and get you a seat at the table in spaces you hadn't expected.

Professional credibility is another benefit to owning your accomplishments. Your reputation as a capable and reliable professional comes from others seeing you acknowledge your own work. It helps to establish you as an expert in your field.

Taking credit for your work and accomplishments also brings a confidence boost. It reinforces your sense of achievement, which can lead to higher motivation to strive toward bigger goals.

What are some of the cons of being overly humble about your accomplishments in the workplace?

Your accomplishments could potentially be overlooked and overshadowed. Others may unintentionally (or intentionally in the worst cases) take credit for your achievements, leaving your efforts unacknowledged. You may have a coworker or boss who is comfortable taking credit for your work while they steal all of the limelight and glory for it. Allowing this will further their career while leaving you in the dust. Try your hardest not to let this happen.

If your efforts are repeatedly ignored, it can erode your self-esteem and decrease your drive to perform at your best. This can - and will - lead to burnout and low morale. Remember, you aren't bragging. You are taking credit for your own hard work and ideas. You deserve a voice in that conversation and a spot at that table when you're the one putting in the work.

If you're not seen as someone who owns their work, it might be harder for others to view you as a leader or decision-maker. This can also lead to career growth stagnation and leave you stuck in your current role with very little chance of advancement. You need to make yourself the obvious choice. Sometimes, that involves being a squeaky wheel that leadership and superiors cannot ignore. It may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary.

So, what are some tips for taking credit and standing out for your work?

Keep a record of your achievements and contributions to projects. Having specific examples on hand makes it easier to discuss your role confidently without feeling like you're exaggerating. I do this in an excel sheet and also a journal that is used during my 1:1's every month with my leader.

While collaboration is key in many workplaces, don’t be afraid to say, “I contributed X” or “I led Y” when discussing your role. It’s about being factual, not boastful. I statements are also important during interviews. Yes, it's important to be a team player but it is also important to know what you're contributing and how it benefits the team and company. You can take credit while still acknowledging your team if you'd like. For example: “I’m proud of the results we achieved. My role was to [insert your key contributions].” This shows leadership and humility.

Speak up in meetings and 1:1's. Don’t wait for someone else to highlight your accomplishments. When you share progress or results during meetings, subtly weave in what you did to make it happen. If you find it difficult to speak about your achievements, practice in low-stakes situations or rehearse with a mentor or friend. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel. Use these opportunities to highlight your work over the review period. Be specific about the challenges you overcame and the results you delivered.

Build your personal brand. Share your successes through professional platforms like LinkedIn or during casual conversations with colleagues. This builds a reputation for being capable and proactive. Invite constructive feedback to show that you’re not only proud of your work but also open to learning and improving. This creates balance between confidence and humility.

Remember, taking credit is not about arrogance; it’s about self-recognition. Trust that you’ve earned the right to acknowledge your achievements. Taking credit doesn't mean boasting—it’s about striking a balance between humility and self-advocacy.

Until next week!