Humility vs. Speaking Up: Striking the Balance in the Workplace

For those of us who value humility, talking about our achievements can feel uncomfortable—almost like bragging. The fear of being perceived as proud or self-centred can lead to silence, even when our work deserves recognition. I’ve personally experienced this struggle and learned some valuable lessons along the way.

My Story: When Humility Felt Like a Hurdle

A while ago, I found myself in a situation where my silence was holding me back. At work, I had put in hours of effort to solve a challenging problem for my team. It wasn’t just about the work—I had stepped in to support others, stayed late to meet deadlines, and ensured I cleared up any pending work before leaving. But when it came time to talk about what I’d done, I froze.

I thought, If I say something, won’t it look like I’m bragging? Won’t people think I just want attention? So I kept quiet.

Weeks passed, and I noticed something frustrating. Others on the team were recognized for their contributions to the project—even though I’d done great work too. It wasn’t that I was bitter, but it hurt to see my efforts overlooked simply because I didn’t speak up.

That experience taught me an important truth: humility doesn’t mean hiding your work. Speaking up isn’t about seeking praise, it’s about ensuring your efforts are seen and valued.

Why Speaking Up Matters

1. Visibility and Recognition
   In most workplaces, leaders don’t have a detailed view of everyone’s contributions. If you don’t communicate your efforts, they may go unnoticed, regardless of their impact. Speaking up helps bridge that gap.
2. Career Growth
   Promotions and new opportunities often go to those who demonstrate their value. If you don’t highlight your successes, you risk being overlooked for roles you’re well-qualified for.
3. Building Credibility
   Talking about your work isn’t just for recognition—it builds trust. When others know you’re consistently delivering, they’ll see you as a reliable team member and a strong contributor.

How to Balance Humility and Self-Advocacy

Here are practical ways to advocate for yourself while staying humble:

1. Focus on the Impact, Not Yourself

Frame your achievements in terms of the results they brought to the team, project, or company. For instance, instead of saying, “I was the key to this project’s success,” try:
“The solution I implemented helped the team meet our goals ahead of schedule.”

By shifting the focus to outcomes, you keep the tone collaborative and grounded.

2. Acknowledge Others While Highlighting Your Role

When discussing team projects, recognize the contributions of others while making your specific role clear. For example:
“It was a team effort, and my part involved streamlining the process to improve efficiency by 20%.”

This approach shows humility while ensuring your work doesn’t go unnoticed.

3. Document Your Achievements

Keep a record of your contributions—whether it’s in a journal, a performance tracker, or email updates. This makes it easier to share your accomplishments when the time comes, without feeling like you’re grasping for credit.

4. Speak Up During Appropriate Moments

Use team meetings, one-on-ones with your manager, or performance reviews to share specific accomplishments. These are natural opportunities to highlight your work without feeling like you’re interrupting or grandstanding.

5. Accept Praise Gracefully

When someone recognizes your work, don’t downplay it or brush it off. A simple “Thank you, I’m glad it made a difference” goes a long way in showing confidence and humility.

Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

It’s normal to feel hesitant about talking about your accomplishments, especially if you value humility. Here’s how to reframe your mindset:

• It’s Not Bragging; It’s Communication
  Speaking up is about ensuring your efforts are seen, not inflating your ego. Think of it as letting your work speak for itself through clear communication.
• Your Contributions Matter
  When you share your achievements, you inspire others and strengthen your team. It’s not just about you—it’s about contributing to a culture of accountability and excellence.
• God Honors Stewardship
  From a faith perspective, we’re called to be good stewards of the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Speaking up about your work is part of honouring what you’ve been entrusted with.

Final Thoughts

Balancing humility and self-advocacy isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for personal and professional growth. My experience taught me that silence can sometimes hinder your impact, even when your intentions are good.

Remember, speaking up isn’t about pride—it’s about clarity, accountability, and ensuring your contributions are recognized. So the next time you hesitate to share your accomplishments, remind yourself: “My work deserves to be seen, not for my glory, but for the good it brings.”

By finding the balance between humility and self-advocacy, you can honour your values while thriving in your career.