Success Isn’t a Secret—So Why Are You Hiding It?
By Sophie Makonnen
In my last blog on confidence, I explored how internal doubts and external biases can hold us back from stepping up and owning our space—and how building that muscle is essential. Confidence, alongside competence, is crucial for career progression. But there’s another key factor: your progress can stall even when you feel confident if your contributions aren’t visible. Visibility is just as important.
People naturally form judgments based on what they see, making it essential to take ownership of how our contributions are recognized. By ensuring our work is visible, we actively shape an accurate perception of our value rather than leaving it to chance.
Great work needs a voice. It is a shame that such excellent work may go unnoticed due to lacking visibility. If you don’t actively share your achievements, you may unintentionally reinforce the belief that simply working hard will be enough for recognition. Taking charge of your visibility ensures that your efforts are acknowledged and your impact is fully realized.
I have to admit—I’ve fallen into this mindset. Early in my career, I assumed that someone would surely take notice if I focused only on doing great work. And, in a way, some did. I caught a few breaks—three pivotal moments that shaped my professional path. Each time, someone stepped forward and advocated for me. They didn’t just acknowledge my work but made me visible, creating new professional opportunities.
I realize not everyone has had someone champion them, and that’s exactly why learning to advocate for oneself is so critical. While others helped make me visible in certain instances, most of the time, I had to learn to do it for myself, too. If I did not showcase my ideas and work, they would not be noticed, or I would depend on others to make me visible.
I also remember the frustration of sharing ignored ideas in meetings or writing—only to see them resurface later, repackaged and praised. Colleagues would reach out privately, saying, “Didn’t you say that exact thing six months ago?” I was told I lacked management experience for a project manager position. Then, a few months later, I was told I wasn’t technical enough in another interview. The goalposts kept shifting.
I understood that only relying on external recognition alone was not enough. It highlighted the importance of owning my visibility and advocating for my contributions. But why do so many professionals hesitate to do this? What holds us back from claiming our achievements?
The Reluctance to Claim Achievements
Self-promotion isn’t just about confidence—it’s also about mindset; as Sally Helgesen explains in How Women Rise, many professionals, especially women, hesitate to claim their achievements because they don’t want to appear boastful or self-important. Similarly, in Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It, Peggy Klaus highlights how societal and cultural norms often discourage self-promotion, prioritizing collective success over individual recognition. This leads many to become overly invested in maintaining a modest self-image, believing hard work should speak for itself. However, without visibility, even the most competent professionals risk being overlooked.
Sally Helgesen explains how some professionals reject self-promotion not just out of humility but from a sense of moral superiority—the belief that “I am better than that, I don’t need to boast” or “I refuse to be obnoxious like those who constantly self-promote.” Some upbringings reinforce the value of humility that is then transferred into the professional sphere. This mindset assumes that recognition will come naturally and will be recognized in due time. It implies that claiming credit is distasteful, even when necessary for career growth. Meanwhile, those who have no such reservations continue to advance.
Let’s admit it: for many of us, talking about our achievements and making sure people around us know about them is pretty uncomfortable.
Spotlight, Not Show-off
I am not advocating for arrogance or exaggeration but rather for confidently owning and communicating your genuine accomplishments. Yet, we often hesitate because we equate self-promotion with arrogance. This misconception pushes many into silence, fearing they must choose between being overlooked or being perceived as boastful.
Self-promotion isn’t about bragging—it’s about ensuring your work is acknowledged and valued. There is a way to share your achievements confidently and gracefully without compromising humility or authenticity. Think of it as storytelling rather than self-promotion—framing your contributions to highlight impact rather than ego. Peggy Klaus writes about mastering the art of bragging. It is a very individual form of self-expression and communication that can be tailored to fit your personality and values.
Recognizing Success: The Missing First Step
Up to now, I have focused on external recognition. In other words, how our work is perceived and valued in our professional environment. However, there is another crucial aspect: internal recognition. Too often, we downplay our successes, brushing them off as routine or inevitable. We normalize achievements that were far from easy to attain. Once a challenge is overcome, it’s tempting to move on quickly, forgetting the effort, energy, and even struggles it took to get there. But by doing so, we fail to acknowledge our growth and perseverance. We minimize our hard work, treating success as another task checked off the list. Problem solved. Next… But should it be? This will be the subject of another blog because it is crucial. If we expect others to acknowledge our good work, shouldn't we first take the time to recognize it ourselves?
The price of playing small
Staying silent about your contributions can create the perception that you are content with the status quo or comfortable remaining unseen. Perhaps invisibility feels safe, but at what cost?
Missed opportunities for promotions and stretch assignments – When decision-makers don’t see the full extent of your contributions, they may assume you’re not ready or interested in taking on greater responsibilities. This means others—sometimes less qualified—get the opportunities that could have been yours.
Colleagues or managers taking credit for your work – If you don’t claim your achievements, someone else might. Ideas you share in meetings may later be presented by others as their own, leaving you frustrated and sidelined while they gain recognition. (And let’s be honest—there’s always that one person who miraculously 'had the same idea' right after you said it and conveniently forgets to give you credit).
Being passed over for leadership roles due to a perceived lack of ‘presence’ – Many promotions are not just about competence but about visibility. If you don’t make your impact known, people may assume you are content where you are or lack the leadership presence needed for the next level. This can leave you watching others move ahead while your career remains stagnant.
By staying silent, you avoid discomfort. But you also risk limiting your potential. Visibility isn’t about arrogance; it’s about acknowledging your contributions so you can continue to grow and advance.
I know it won’t feel natural at first. Stepping out of your comfort zone and advocating for yourself takes intention and practice. If you’re not used to tooting your own horn, it will take effort to do so with confidence and authenticity. You may also need to adapt your approach to fit the culture and personalities around you, ensuring your self-advocacy resonates effectively.
Why Visibility Matters—Even in International Development
How does claiming achievements work in International Development? Many professionals in international development hesitate to highlight their achievements because they see their work as mission-driven rather than personal. The sector is fundamentally about impact—improving lives. Because of this, self-promotion can feel distasteful, even unethical, as if drawing attention to individual contributions diminishes the collective effort or distracts from the mission itself. Unlike in corporate settings, where success is often measured in sales figures or market dominance, success in International Development is measured in lives improved and essential infrastructure built. Saying that an education program increased literacy rates or that better roads have facilitated market access is not about boasting but about demonstrating effectiveness and accountability. However, this can create tension: professionals may feel that their role is simply to implement and ensure impact rather than to highlight their contributions to that success. This mindset reinforces the belief that humility should take precedence over visibility. While humility is a core value, it should not come at the cost of recognition for individuals and the initiatives they drive. Making achievements visible is not about personal glory—it ensures that effective programs receive the attention, funding, and policy support needed to scale and sustain impact.
Practical Strategies to Make Your Work Visible Without Losing Yourself
So, how do you make your work visible without feeling like you’re bragging or chasing attention? And how can you do it in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your values?
Here are some ideas—you don’t have to use them all. Some will be more appropriate in certain circumstances, so focus on the most natural ones. The key is to share your success in a way that remains genuine to who you are.
Don’t expect others to do it for you. While there are times when a great colleague, manager, or supervisor will advocate for you and give you credit, that’s a bonus—not the plan. The objective is to ensure that your contributions are not unnoticed or erased. Taking ownership of your visibility isn’t about seeking praise but ensuring your hard work is acknowledged and valued.
1. Shift from ‘Self-Promotion’ to ‘Work Promotion :
First, take a moment to assess your recent accomplishments and recognize their impact. Understanding how your work contributes to broader goals helps you confidently advocate for yourself. Ask yourself, ‘Did my work stand out? Did it go beyond what is typically expected from my peers?’” Have a conversation with your supervisor. If your exceptional efforts are going unnoticed, bring them up in a discussion. Of course, some supervisors will be more receptive than others.
Focus on outcomes and impact rather than yourself: “Here’s what we achieved” vs. “Here’s what I did.”
Share success stories as lessons learned for the team or organization.
2. It's not only about how, but also when.
Timing is key when advocating for yourself. Read the room to gauge the right moment—whether it's during a performance review, a team meeting, or an informal conversation with leadership. Pay attention to the dynamics of the discussion and align your input with ongoing priorities to maximize impact.
3. Document and Share Your Wins
Keeping track of your accomplishments ensures they are not forgotten and allows you to showcase your contributions when needed confidently. Peggy Klaus suggests keeping a "brag book" of achievements and contributions. With my clients, I call it a success journal. It’s a way not to forget or downplay the effort and impact of your work, helping you recognize patterns of success and growth over time.
Document, in other words, leaves a trace that leads back to you.
Use regular check-ins with your manager to highlight progress.
Offer to present results from projects at team meetings or conferences.
4. Speak Up in Meetings
Practice sharing your opinions early—don't wait until the end.
Ask insightful questions to position yourself as a thought partner.
5. Build a Visibility Ecosystem
• Amplify others’ contributions and seek reciprocal support.
• Develop a relationship with sponsors who can advocate for your work when you’re not in the room.
6. Use Digital Platforms to Share Thought Leadership
• Leverage LinkedIn or internal communication tools to share insights, articles, or project outcomes.
• Participate in panels, webinars, or blog about your expertise.
👉🏽 So, this week, take a moment to share one accomplishment—whether it’s a small win or a significant milestone. You can post it, present it, or simply mention it in your next meeting. Your work matters, and your impact deserves to be recognized. The more you practice sharing your contributions, the more natural it will become.