Have you ever realized that someone else’s version of your story got told before you had the chance to tell it yourself?
Maybe a colleague described your role in a way that missed the mark, or a manager explained your decision without knowing the full context. Even well-intentioned summaries can shape how others see you.
In her book Likeable Badass, Allison Fragale reminds us that if we don’t tell people who we are, they’ll make it up. In other words, your professional reputation is a story, and you should be the one writing it.
Owning your story isn’t self-promotion; it’s clarity. When we share what drives us, what we’re working toward, and what matters most, we help others see our intentions accurately and avoid misunderstanding.
Here are a few ways to do that:
- Share the “why.” A quick “Here’s what I was hoping to achieve” can shift how your actions are perceived.
- Name your values. When people know what matters to you, your decisions make more sense.
- Update your narrative. The way you described yourself early in your career may not fit anymore. Take time to refresh it.
- Invite others in. Sharing your story helps people understand how to collaborate with you more effectively.
Telling your story doesn’t mean talking more. It means talking intentionally, so others have the right information to understand who you are and what you bring.
So this week, take a moment to reflect:
What story are others telling about you, and is it the one you want told?
By: Elizabeth Hill, MWI Director of Communications and Development, and Co-Editor of Ombuzz