LinkedIn usage has been increasing in the Covid-19 restriction period according to some reports that users are up by 30%, and I’m not sure how much growth there has been in the popularity of the humble brag on LinkedIn since I’ve been through more than I can count since March 1st.
The humblebrag, also known as the humble brag has been around throughout time.
Unsurprisingly, the first US president George Washington’s reticence to speak publicly about his popularity was nothing more than a “conniving strategy of faux-reticence” which is in sharp contrast to the current president, who appears to follow the path of extravagant self-confidence.
In the middle of it, all are Linked Likes. This quick reflection is intended for you to be reminded (and myself) that if we slip into the habit of sloppy and sloppy communication, others will be able to tell the difference.
What exactly is a humble brag?
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In the latter part of his life, American comedian-actor, writer and producer Harris Wittels, coined the phrase humblebrag which was defined as the practice of displaying false modesty. The former executive writer and producer of Parks and Recreation even wrote an article on the subject in 2012.
Social media is a popular medium for sharing information. the word “humblebragging” is frequently employed to show modesty by shining a spotlight upon other people or an event/entity with the intention of letting the writer be in the spotlight.
Many people have done this, and, yes I’ve committed it before (nervously and I’m sure you’re not alone). the reason why I’m writing this article as much for me as you).
Here are some examples I’ve gathered from my LinkedIn feed (I’ve removed those names):
- It is a great honour part of a fantastic committee which makes this event possible and also some exceptional sponsors.
- Thank you to everyone who felicitated me on my appointment to the position of Australian (removed) chair in SA.
- I am honoured to be the speaker today for International Women’s Day to celebrate the achievements of women in the field of business.
- It was a real pleasure to be asked to be the keynote participant at this year’s Wine Marketing and Tourism Conference held by (removed) this week in (removed).
- I am elated and thankful to be included as one of the 25 winners of this award. What an amazing achievement!
- Today is International Women’s Day today, I’d like to take this opportunity to honour the incredible women I’ll be travelling in the company of (removed the name of the group).
- I am honoured to host this amazing line-up of speakers for our forthcoming (name deleted) event!
- The letter finally arrived. It was officially accepted for the PhD. Law graduation. An honourable gesture from the famous ANU College of Law!
Do you see a trend in this? The formula seems to be:
I’m (proud or humble, or honoured) of being (insert the title or accomplishment that makes you jealous) with (insert names of individuals who are more prestigious or attention that you would like to get, or with whom you would like to build).
The English translation reads:
I’m a beauty I’m fantastic and making goals. I’m sure you’ll be feeling slightly jealous of me in the near future.
Naturally, we should not, even for a second believe we are able to get away with humour. Like a child playing hide and seeking to conceal their hands believing they are not visible, the rest of us are able to see through this tactic.
How to be humble on LinkedIn and remain real
It’s important to share the good news, naturally. But there’s an art in it.
According to Professor Utpal Dholakia explains in one of his Science Behind Behaviour articles published in Psychology Today, when we can share our accomplishments and positive news with a positive attitude that boosts our mood and the happiness of the people in our lives.
The self-deprecating line that follows these “humblebrag” posts puts them in the positive part of the spectrum of this particular reader which is in line with the professor’s suggestion to share information positively.
- A wonderful story about community spirit and the ability to do. It was truly a satisfaction to play a tiny (and strictly financial) contribution to the beginning of this.
- On the 15th of April, I graduated from the University of South Australia with the degree of Bachelor of marketing and Communication. Because of COVID-19, my ceremony for graduation was not traditional. I was able to share the moment with my family via a Zoom phone call. The dress code was a reversion to self-isolation style, with track pants, jumpers and sneakers as a must.
It all boils down to intent; the purity of our intent.
The clearest and clean method of sharing your humble bragging, I believe, speaks to how much we value the intellect of our readers. If we take an approach that is balanced and grounded such as the ones above, or being open and honest by asking your readers to take part in an act of bragging is a good way to tick those boxes.
For us to “brag” positively like a professional, however, we must also strive to make our posts educate (and even provide entertainment). This is how we communicate with the highest amount of what’s in it for Me to our readers.
A second comment on the shadows that hide humblebragging
To go back to Professor Dholakia’s ideas The most important thing we need to keep in mind is that we fall into the dark side of bragging when we publish information in a way in which it can be “done not to share happiness, but mainly to arouse jealousy, envy, or other negative emotions and doesn’t have any useful, informative purpose for the audience [then] it becomes dysfunctional”.
If it’s so ineffective then why do certain people continue to engage in this behaviour?
The great professor clarifies the harmful cycle in detail at the conclusion of his piece on the reasons why people should stop posting on social media about their accomplishments, What’s more, bragging can attract ingratiators,
who typically have lower ranks and have ulterior motives when developing or maintaining a relationship to the bragging braggart. If you’re looking to create an entourage of people around you, bragging can be a good method to do this.
In the event that humblebragging is a popular way for people to would like to climb ladders to get to the top of braggarts they consider valuable to their own, it will be necessary for members of the group to look for one another and keep us from the brink of bragging.
Connect with me if you’re not already done so that we can be on the lookout for one another. Here’s the Steve Davis bio on LinkedIn and the Talked About Marketing LinkedIn Page. There is a delicate action here, as we don’t want to fall victim to the syndrome of tall poppy, either.
My wish is that we enjoy an enjoyable LinkedIn experience by ensuring honest, open communications that add worth to our users and networks.
