We all like validation at work. We all need it to some degree to give ourselves a confidence boost. To provide evidence for our next proposal. To feel pride. To feel heard.
Validation is powerful. It can boost morale, increase productivity, and foster a positive work environment. When we feel valued and appreciated, I believe we are more likely to take risks, be creative, and contribute to our team’s success.
But we are taught to be modest. To be team players. Not to show off.
We’ve learned this behaviour. Society has taught us not to blow our own trumpet. But children will come home and thrust their achievement in your face, full of pride and joy.
Let’s flip that narrative on its head.
Hold onto your achievements
Track everything you achieve in terms of professional development, from successfully navigating a tense meeting to mastering a new piece of software. This documentation is for you, and no one will judge whether something ought to be included. An achievement, such as a tweak to a process, might seem small, but in time, bigger consequences and benefits may come that you’ll be able to track back to that initial change you made.
Seeing your achievements laid out before you helps build confidence and empowers you to reach for higher goals. When opportunities for projects or a new role arise, you’ll have concrete evidence of your contributions. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be tempered on bad days by reviewing your achievements.
Just start
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Quantitative wins: reaching financial goals, exceeding project targets, improving metrics.
- Qualitative wins: resolving conflicts, mastering new skills, exceeding expectations, receiving praise or recognition (if you got that compliment in an email – keep it to revisit when you are having a more challenging day!).
- Personal growth: overcoming challenges, learning from mistakes, developing new skills.
- Impact: positive feedback from colleagues or students, contributions to team success, innovations implemented.
My achievement tracker is a simple spreadsheet. Nothing fancy. You are welcome to use my template.
Be your own cheerleader
Track your victories, big and small, and celebrate your incredible professional journey. You will see that you’ve accomplished more than you think, and you deserve to recognise your own brilliance.
About the author: Rachel Reeds has been surviving and thriving in higher education professional services since 2011. An advocate of authentic leadership, she empowers others to find their voice, lead confidently, and take ownership of their professional journey.
This article is an adapted extract from Rachel’s forthcoming book Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services: a guide to success