How to Self-Promote (Lawyer’s Edition)

The Wall Street Journal recently discussed the  “best way to brag about your accomplishments.”  Lawyers need this key ability for interviewing, landing clients, and establishing expertise when giving advice, but it’s rarely done well. So how do you talk about yourself effectively without annoying people?

WSJ reports the best way to self-promote is to share credit for your success. A study by U Penn and Utah professors found “when it’s important to impress someone—say, in an interview for a new job or a promotion—simply bragging about your successes isn’t as effective as talking about both yourself and your team.” Sample language of a speaker giving credit to others: “This project was successful because of our teamwork. I took care of all the financial analysis, and back-end design. Alex really impressed me with how he handled our client communications.” The study found listeners liked this speaker more than someone who took all the credit. Instead, the speaker who shares credit is seen as more pleasant and competent.

I 100% agree in the context of interviews. When lawyers list accomplishments, they come across much better when they talk about how happy/blessed/lucky they were to work with clients/colleagues, who contributed ABC, resulting in DEF positive outcome. This small addition of including others goes along way!

But how do you talk about your accomplishments on social media? Yes, you can do what the WSJ suggests with the typical “humbled and honored” post: “I am humbled and honored to receive XYZ award, and it was due to working with wonderful colleagues,” which can still garner an eye roll from your peers. Or do what I suggest instead: find a good friend or professional organization you work with to post that information about you! The message coming from a third party (who is happy to help you) will be received much better.