The Key to Getting Noticed at Work—Without Bragging
You’ve probably heard someone say this:
“I’ve been doing twice the work, training the new hires, covering extra shifts, fixing charting errors—and still, my supervisor doesn’t seem to notice. Meanwhile, someone else just says what they did and suddenly they’re being called a ‘strong leader.’ I don’t want to brag... but I also don’t want to be invisible.”
Ah yes. The classic quiet high achiever dilemma.
You do the work.
You do it well.
And you do it quietly—because you were raised to believe that if you just keep your head down and do your best, someone will eventually notice.
Spoiler: sometimes, they don’t.
Why You Might Struggle to Speak Up About Your Successes
Especially for many Filipino immigrant women, there’s an invisible script we follow at work. It sounds like:
“Don’t be too loud.”
“Let your work speak for itself.”
“Don’t be mayabang (boastful).”
“Just be grateful you have a job.”
This humility? It’s cultural. It’s generational.
And yes—it’s beautiful in many ways.
But here’s the hard truth:
Invisibility is not the same as humility.
And shrinking your voice doesn’t serve anyone—not even the team you’re trying to help.
So, How Do You Get Noticed Without Bragging?
It starts by redefining what “bragging” even means.
Bragging is when you exaggerate, compete, or center yourself at someone else’s expense.
But owning your contribution? That’s leadership.
That’s communication.
That’s how systems change—and how people like you start getting the recognition you’ve already earned.
Here are a few ways to do that—gracefully, powerfully, and without feeling like you’ve become that person:
1. Share Facts, Not Fluff
Instead of saying, “I did an amazing job managing that crisis,” try:
“Yesterday, I coordinated care for three critical patients and helped stabilize one who was declining. It reminded me how much I love staying calm under pressure.”
You’re not bragging—you’re reporting. With heart.
2. Use “We” Statements That Include You
You don’t have to center yourself to be seen.
Try:
“We got great feedback on that project. I’m especially proud of the charting system I created—it really helped the new team onboard quickly.”
You’re highlighting the team and your unique contribution. No spotlight hogging necessary.
3. Turn Results Into Stories
People remember stories, not resumes. Share something like:
“A patient’s family told me they finally felt heard. It reminded me why I pay extra attention to communication during handoff. It’s the little things that build trust.”
Boom. Subtle. Memorable. Effective.
4. Ask for What You Want
The most quietly powerful move you can make?
Telling your supervisor something like:
“I’d love to take on more responsibility, especially in areas where I’ve already been supporting new staff. Can we talk about a potential leadership pathway?”
You’re not asking for a favor. You’re initiating a conversation—like a leader would.
Visibility Without Ego Is a Skill—And You Can Learn It
Here’s the truth: getting noticed at work isn’t about being louder than everyone else. It’s about being clear, confident, and authentic about your impact.
No need to shout.
No need to be someone you’re not.
No need to compete or compare.
Just start showing up as the person you already are—but with the volume turned up one notch.
You’ve worked too hard to let your brilliance go unnoticed.
You don’t need to brag.
You just need to stop whispering your worth.
Because the people who get seen… are the ones who know how to stand in their truth without apology.
And yes, that can be you.
Sign up for my free newsletter, usually sent once a month (and sometimes more often when inspiration strikes!). These are letters from my heart, filled with insights from my personal journey and client work, honest talk about life, and practical tools for managing self-doubt, tapping into inner wisdom, and embracing personal growth.
If you're seeking greater empowerment, satisfaction, and self-confidence, my newsletter will offer a steady source of inspiration, encouragement, and support
