Brown-nosing vs. Self-Promotion

I was challenged in class last night by a student who believes that self-promotion is morally unacceptable in the workplace.  He seemed to believe that the organization should have systems and processes in place to help it recognize talent.  His line of questioning made me feel compelled to explain the subtle difference between being a competent brown-noser and being a shameless self-promoter. 

First, I emphatically disagree with this student's assertion that it is the organziation's responsiblity to recognize talent.  Certainly it is in its best interest to do so but assigning this responsibility to an organization instead of being personally responsible for it simply means that you have handed over the reins of your career, your future, your life, to someone or something else.  No thanks --- I'll take responsibility for ME, thank you very much.  I strongly advise you to do the same.

Second, I have no problem with self-promotion.  I believe that the best way to maximize your potential for success in your career is to infuse your daily rountine with a good amount of this righteous activity.  I do, however, think that there is a better way  to do this than simply finding opportunities to talk about yourself.

If you watch successful brown-nosers at work you will notice that they talk far less about themselves than we tend to think and yet they seem to be relatively successful in getting a significant amount of attention which translates into promotions, raises and other perks.  This is because they move the focus from themselves to others.

The really smart ones turn their efforts into a strategic game where they do the required fawning, commenting, name dropping, supporting, etc. all the while interjecting their knowledgeable opinions, suggestions and recommendations to those people who are now listening to them.

This is the key learning point here --- so pay attention. Promoting yourself only works when people are listening to you. Everyone is busy.  To get influencers to the point at which they will listen, you must do or say something that gets their ear. 

What gets their ear?  Positioning your ideas in a way that serves their purpose and objectives.  Connecting with them on a personal or professional level.  Using the power and influence of others i.e. networking, to grab their attention (name dropping).  Insuring that you are top of mind - that you are visible and not some obscure employee who they know nothing about.  Yup - its the fantastic four...positioning, networking,connecting and visbility.

As you craft your plan to get yourself that next promotion or raise,  be sure you have created a situation where people will actually listen to you sing your own praises.  There is nothing wrong with singing - as long as you are singing to an audience.

Think about it...

Later, Linda

P.S. For more tips on how to use these skills to advance your career, visiting www.brownnosingonline.com to learn about Brown-Nosing 101: A career survival manual for the rest of us

Comments

[FreeStoring]

hay!!
good project :)
senks :)

[Linda]

Though it would be nice to think that all brown-nosers are doing the things I've espoused in this blog, you and I both know, Albert, that there are people out there who are incompetent.

The term 'brown-nosing' originally meant to curry favor with the king by cleaning up after his horse :-). It is hard to spend too many years in the workforce without running into someone at work who does nothing but clean up after the boss.

Not all are as enlightened as you about how these 'brown-nosing' skills can be used for good. My task is to educate and enlighten others. But there are now and will always be those who personify this term in the most popular and derogatory sense of the word. This can get in the way of understanding those underlying skills that are vital to career success.

Keep reading, Albert. You and I are of like mind in this regard.

[Albert Grant]

Whereas I believe you are on to something interesting and relevant, I also believe that you have bought into the misconception that brown nosing is wrong. Your comment that these people sometimes do not do their work is further buying into that concept. Brown nosers are people who create an atmosphere of trust in the workplace. They place themselves in a position where the 'BIG CHEESE" is able to trust him/her.