So does a promotion require bragging? It may sound reasonable – but is it really worth the damage you might cause to the people who work in your team and report to you.
If you pitch yourself, there is no credit left for them. Instead, do brag-about-others. Your reports will be recognized and people will be willing to get the work done again.
Don’t focus on the failures and mistakes. Support all the decisions and contributions they made. Sure, you could suggest doing certain things differently next time.
Talk about the great work your direct reports do
So, it's important to be aware of both perspectives – of your and your subordinate’s. You should make your direct reports recognized for their excellent performance as well. Don’t take the recognition for other people's ideas and activities.
Too many managers get promoted because they took the recognition that should have been awarded to their colleagues. Bragging may not be intentional, it can even be done inadvertently. However, taking credit for the work others have done is not how you should want to get ahead.
People just don’t like it – and that's not a big surprise, is it? So make sure that your superiors know what your team has accomplished. Mention that. It's that easy.
-jk-