In a world where self-promotion is a delicate dance between asserting competence and avoiding the pitfalls of boastfulness, a groundbreaking study conducted by Eric VanEpps, Einav Hart, and Maurice Schweitzer reveals an astounding strategy that doesn’t just avoid backfire but enhances your image.
Welcome to the era of dual-promotion, where touting not only your own accomplishments but also acknowledging the skills and achievements of others can be the key to projecting both competence and warmth.
The study, conducted with over 1,500 participants in the United States, delves into the intricacies of self-promotion, unraveling a powerful approach that goes beyond traditional bragging was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
Managers in the US involved in hiring decisions were presented with evaluations of a collaborative project, with half reading purely self-promoting remarks and the other half reading dual-promoting statements that highlighted the contributions of both individuals involved.
Dual-Promotion Garnered Warmer and Positive Impressions
The results were eye-opening. While self-promoting and dual-promoting employees received similar marks on competence, the latter were perceived as much warmer and left a more positive overall impression. This finding challenges the conventional wisdom that focusing solely on one’s achievements is the most effective way to make a lasting impression.
The essence of dual-promotion lies in striking a balance between celebrating individual accomplishments and recognising the collaborative efforts of a team. In a professional setting, where collaboration is often the driving force behind success, acknowledging the contributions of others becomes a potent tool for building rapport and projecting warmth.
The approach not only validates the achievements of each team member but also elevates the person doing the dual-promotion, creating a narrative that resonates positively with others.
Subsequent experiments in the study demonstrated that dual-promotion worked its magic irrespective of whether colleagues or others engaged in it. The researchers revealed that this strategy was not just a fleeting trend but a robust method to enhance one’s image and leave a lasting positive impression.
Dual-Promotion in Politics Signals Confidence And Inclusivity
In the final experiment, the researchers explored the impact of dual-promotion in the realm of politics. Registered voters were presented with either dual-promotion or self-promotion statements by a fictitious politician. The results were not only fascinating but carried significant implications.
The dual-promoter was not only perceived as warmer but also as more competent, signaling that in a political context, acknowledging others sends a strong signal of confidence and expertise. Voters were not only more willing to support the dual-promoter at the ballot box but were also swayed by the humility and inclusivity embedded in the dual-promotion approach.
The study’s findings prompt a reevaluation of our approach to self-promotion, particularly in the era of social media where personal branding is a constant endeavour. Rather than bombarding our networks with self-aggrandising posts, the research suggests that incorporating dual-promotion into our narrative can make our achievements more relatable, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie.
Dual-Promotion Aligns with Societal Values
Acknowledging the efforts of others doesn’t diminish our own accomplishments; instead, it elevates our standing by showcasing a nuanced understanding of teamwork and collaboration. It transforms self-promotion from a one-dimensional act into a multi-faceted strategy that not only communicates competence but also resonates with the human element.
The dual-promotion approach aligns with a broader shift in societal values towards humility, empathy, and collaboration. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to collaborate and acknowledge the strengths of those around us becomes a vital skill.
Dual-promotion, as revealed by this study, is not just a tactic; it’s a mindset that embraces the collective journey towards success.
So, the next time you find yourself on the brink of a self-promotional endeavour, consider incorporating dual-promotion into your narrative. Share the spotlight, celebrate the collaborative spirit, and watch as your competence shines through without overshadowing the warmth that makes you not just a skilled professional but a relatable and admirable human being.
In the age of dual-promotion, let’s redefine bragging rights and embrace a more inclusive and effective way of showcasing our accomplishments.
