1. Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion:
Effective (But Tactful) Ways to Toot Your Own Horn
July 29, 2019

2. About the Presenter: Tiffani Lee
Partner in the Litigation Section at Holland & Knight LLP
Diversity Partner at Holland & Knight for 10+ years
Member of H&K’s Firmwide Partner Compensation Committee
Member of H&K’s Practice & Operations Committee
Advisor, mentor and sponsor of numerous traditionally underrepresented attorneys inside and outside of the firm
Passionate about the empowerment of traditionally underrepresented attorneys

3. Agenda Research Findings
Importance of Self-Promotion to Professional Success/Advancement
Three Key Challenges/Obstacles to Self-Promotion
Personal Observations
10 Practical Tips
Recommended Resources

4. Quiz: What do you think?
I will be viewed as less likeable if I engage in self-promotion at work.
Self-promotion is just a part of the BS of organizational politics.
Self-promotion is bragging and reflects arrogance.
If you do great work, it will get noticed in time, and the rewards will come.

5. Research Findings
November 2013 study by Barbara Annis and Associates in partnership with Thomson Reuters and Women of Influence found that even senior women executives struggle with self-promotion, advocating for themselves and expressing their talents.
Study by linguist Kieran Snyder found that in written performance reviews, women find their personal style criticized 30 times more than men do.
Research by Sylvia Ann Hewlett at the Center for Talent Innovation shows that cultivating your personal brand is one of the best ways to attract a sponsor – and professionals with sponsors are 23% more likely than their peers to be promoted.

6. Research Findings
Studies suggest 70% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their career.
Gender bias research by Fortune magazine found that:
Women are far more likely than men to receive personality criticisms in critical reviews;
Words like bossy, abrasive, strident, emotional, and irrational only appeared in reviews of women; and
Aggressive showed up as praise for men, but criticism for women.

7. Importance of Self-Promotion
All have a healthy desire to have our work be seen and recognized by others.
Owning and speaking about accomplishments is a key to professional success.
Self-promotion helps create the visibility and credibility we need to get ahead.
To get the opportunities you want and need to advance, you have to figure out a way to make people aware of your great performance and future potential.
In law firms, the big projects, stretch opportunities, leadership roles and pay raises often go to those who have figured out how to effectively promote themselves.

8. Three Key Challenges/Obstacles
“Good girl” Conditioning
Impostor Syndrome
Likability Conundrum

9. “Good Girl” Conditioning
Be humble.
Be polite.
Be modest.
Avoid doing things that suggest we are “full of ourselves.”
Avoid bragging.
Work hard. Keep your head down. Just do a good job.

10. Impostor Syndrome Psychological phenomenon or pattern
Persistent, internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud”
Experienced by men and women.
Results in a lack of confidence that limits our courage.
5 Competence Types Linked to Impostor Syndrome:
The Perfectionist
The Superwoman/man
The Natural Genius
The Soloist
The Expert
Studies suggest 70% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their career.

11. Likability Conundrum
Gender norms presume that women should be agreeable, warm and nurturing.
Women who violate these norms – by sharing a strong opinion, promoting themselves, taking a tough stance, etc. – are often penalized for that behavior in a way that men are not.
Common labels that are attached:
“too aggressive”
“ice queen”
“b-word”

12. Mastering the Art: Ten Tips
Shift mindset from self-promotion to self-advocacy.
Know your value proposition.
Focus on making your work visible.
Focus on service and sharing.
Talk about results and the impact of your work.

13. Mastering the Art: Ten Tips
Highlight past successes and future potential.
Avoid lies of omission.
Don’t wait for an annual performance review. Share successes throughout the year.
Make it a habit.
Practice. Plan.
Normalize the practice of self-promotion.

14. Recommended Resources
Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor by Sylvia Ann Hewlett
Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It by Dr. Valerie Young
Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success by Dan Schawbell

15. Questions?