How to Communicate Your Value in the Workplace

In the hustle and bustle of today’s workplace, being great at your job is no longer enough. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the reality is that your hard work won’t always speak for itself. If you want to climb the ladder, gain recognition, and secure those well-deserved opportunities, you need to actively and effectively communicate your value.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Talking about myself feels awkward. Isn’t my work enough to prove my worth?" Trust me, I get it. Many of us were taught that humility is a virtue and that being seen as boastful is a bad look. But here’s the thing: advocating for yourself isn’t boasting. It’s about ensuring your efforts and achievements are recognized so they can lead to bigger and better opportunities.

Let’s walk through some practical, approachable strategies that will help you not only communicate your value but do so in a way that feels authentic and empowering—because you’re worth it.

1. Keep Records of Your Achievements

Let’s start with one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you can use: keeping a record of your accomplishments. Life moves fast, and so does work. If you don’t take the time to document your wins as they happen, there’s a good chance they’ll fade into the background by the time you need to talk about them.

Why This Matters:

Think about your last performance review. Did you remember all the projects you crushed or the way you solved that difficult problem six months ago? If you’re like most people, probably not. By keeping a detailed record of your accomplishments, you’re setting yourself up for success when it’s time to demonstrate your value.

How to Do It:

Create a “Brag Sheet”

This can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Some people use a spreadsheet with columns for project names, dates, outcomes, and feedback. Others prefer a journal-style approach, jotting down wins as they come up. The key is to make it a habit. Record things like:

• Projects you’ve completed and the impact they had.

• Metrics (e.g., increased efficiency, saved time, reduced costs).

• Feedback from managers, colleagues, or clients.

• Awards, certifications, or special recognitions.

Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on the big wins. Even smaller achievements—like helping a teammate solve a tricky problem—are worth noting. They all add up to a bigger picture of your value.

Use Technology

If keeping a physical notebook or spreadsheet sounds overwhelming, there are plenty of tools that can help. Apps like Notion, Trello, or Evernote are great for organizing your accomplishments by project or time period.

Don’t Forget the “Soft Wins”

Many people focus solely on measurable results, like hitting sales goals or completing projects ahead of schedule. But don’t discount the value of soft skills. Did you mentor a new hire? Help improve team morale during a challenging project? Build trust with a difficult client? These things matter.

Why It Works:

Having a running list of your achievements gives you something tangible to lean on. It takes the guesswork out of performance reviews, and you’ll never be caught off guard when someone asks, “What have you been working on lately?”

2. Tailor Your Message to Your Audience

Now that you have a record of your accomplishments, the next step is learning how to talk about them effectively. Here’s the secret: not everyone will care about your work in the same way, so it’s essential to tailor your message to your audience.

Why This Matters:

Think of your accomplishments as puzzle pieces. Your goal is to show how those pieces fit into someone else’s bigger picture—whether that’s your manager, a peer, or a company executive. The more you can connect your work to their priorities, the more impactful your message will be.

How to Do It:

Understand Their Priorities

Start by asking yourself: What does this person care about most? For example:

• Is your manager focused on cutting costs? Highlight how you’ve reduced expenses or found more efficient processes.

• Are company leaders focused on customer retention? Emphasize how your work has improved the customer experience or increased satisfaction rates.

• Does your team value collaboration? Share how you’ve contributed to creating a more cohesive and supportive work environment.

Speak Their Language

It’s easy to fall into the trap of using jargon or getting overly technical when talking about your work. But remember, not everyone has the same level of expertise. Use clear, straightforward language that anyone can understand.

For example: Instead of saying, “I implemented a CRM tool that optimized client touchpoints,” try, “I introduced a new system that helped us connect with clients more efficiently and increased repeat business by 15%.”

Provide Context

Numbers are powerful, but they need context to have meaning. Don’t just say, “I reduced costs by $10,000.” Explain how you did it and why it mattered. For example: “By negotiating with a new vendor, I was able to cut costs by $10,000, which allowed us to reallocate that budget to a marketing campaign that brought in 50 new customers.”

Why It Works:

When you tailor your message to what your audience cares about, you’re not just saying, “Look at how great I am.” You’re saying, “Here’s how my work helps you achieve your goals.” That’s a much more compelling way to communicate your value.

3. Tell a Compelling Story

Let’s be real: data is great, but it can only take you so far. If you want people to really remember what you’ve done, you need to wrap those data points in a story.

Why This Matters:

Humans are hardwired to respond to stories. They’re more engaging, relatable, and memorable than cold, hard facts.

How to Do It:

Use the STAR Method

This is a tried-and-true framework for telling impactful stories:

• Situation: What was the challenge or problem?

• Task: What was your role?

• Action: What steps did you take?

• Result: What was the outcome?

For example:

• “When our onboarding process was delaying new hires from starting projects, I took the lead on redesigning it. By simplifying the workflow and introducing a new training module, I reduced onboarding time by 30%, allowing new employees to contribute faster and saving the company $15,000 annually.”

Connect to Organizational Goals

Always tie your story back to the organization’s mission or values. This shows that your contributions aren’t just personal wins—they’re wins for the team or company as a whole.

Add a Personal Touch

Share what the experience taught you or how it challenged you. For example:

• “This project not only helped our team meet its goals, but it also taught me the importance of cross-departmental collaboration. It’s a skill I’ve carried forward into other projects.”

Why It Works:

Stories stick with people in a way that raw data doesn’t. They give your accomplishments depth and make them more relatable.

4. Leverage Regular Check-Ins and Meetings

This is one of the most underrated strategies: don’t wait for your annual performance review to share your value. Regularly showcasing your contributions keeps them top of mind and demonstrates consistency.

How to Do It:

Use Team Meetings

These are a great opportunity to give quick updates on your work. Keep it concise, but don’t shy away from highlighting your achievements.

Volunteer to Present Results

Whether it’s a project wrap-up or sharing lessons learned, offering to present demonstrates leadership and positions you as an expert.

Request Feedback Sessions

If your organization doesn’t have regular one-on-ones, request them. Frame these meetings as opportunities to align on goals and discuss progress.

Why It Works:

Consistency is key. By regularly updating others on your progress, you reinforce your value over time.

5. Build Relationships and Network

Finally, let’s talk about relationships. Communicating your value isn’t just about formal meetings or presentations—it’s about being visible and respected across your organization.

How to Do It:

Collaborate Across Teams

Volunteer to work with colleagues in other departments. This expands your visibility and shows your value in a broader context.

Find Mentors and Advocates

A mentor who believes in you can be a powerful advocate. They can vouch for your work, give you valuable feedback, and help you navigate office politics.

Share Informally

Don’t underestimate casual conversations. Whether it’s a chat during lunch or a quick update during a coffee break, these moments help keep your contributions top of mind.

Why It Works:

Strong relationships amplify your credibility. When people know and trust you, they’re more likely to recognize and advocate for your value.

You deserve to be recognized for the incredible work you do. By tracking your achievements, tailoring your message, telling stories, and building relationships, you can confidently communicate your value without feeling boastful. Remember: advocating for yourself is the key to unlocking your full potential. Go for it—you’ve got this!