Bragging Rights—or Wrongs?

Here’s the thing about bragging: it’s like adding too much salt to a recipe. A little seasoning—sharing a win, highlighting a success—is fine. But overdo it, and suddenly, the whole dish is unpalatable. Nobody likes a bragger, especially in business, where humility and value trump chest-thumping every time.

Let’s break it down. Sharing favorable results? Totally fine. In fact, it’s often necessary. You’ve closed a big deal or helped a client achieve something remarkable? Great—frame it as a case study or a lesson learned. That way, it’s about the value you’re bringing to the table, not the spotlight you’re trying to hog. It’s a subtle shift, but it makes all the difference.

On the flip side, bragging about being the best, the smartest, or the most successful? That’s where you lose people. It feels self-serving and, honestly, exhausting to everyone listening. Even within teams, an employee who constantly toots their own horn disrupts the collaborative rhythm. Bragging doesn’t just irritate—it isolates.

So, what’s the sweet spot? Share stories, not boasts. Talk about what you’ve learned and how others can benefit. And remember, the goal isn’t to be the loudest voice in the room; it’s to be the one people want to listen to.

Because here’s the truth: when you focus on serving instead of showing off, the applause takes care of itself.

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Mitch Jackson | links