Self-Promotion

I have issues with self-promotion. 

This may come as a surprise to some people given that I am generally a direct communicator and a fierce advocate.  I have no problems speaking up for issues that matter, and I have no issue in calling out the elephant in the room.  At some point, I even gave myself the proverbial title, “Chief Sacred Cow Tipper”. 

But calling attention to myself for myself is another matter.  There are bigger issues at stake.  And those issues have always been bigger than me.  Like merging two health centers so that we could have greater impact and economies of talent and resources.  Or agreeing to be a plaintiff in litigation against the Trump Administration about the Title X Family Planning Program.  Or simply calling out an injustice or an inequity.

The issue with self-promotion becomes a bit of a problem when launching a new business or a new identity; when stepping outside of a 9-5 job into some kind of self-determination.  That is my issue today.

I was recently challenged by a colleague: “They don’t know that they have been invited to the party.”

Wow, such a reframe. 

And so, I begin this new journey.  And I invite you to the party.