When I started the “Likeable Badass” series back in September, I didn’t expect it to follow me around as much as it has. Every month, one of Allison Fragale’s ideas has found its way into a meeting, a conversation, or a moment where I’m trying to decide how to show up as a leader. This final topic of the year is no exception. It’s the tension between sharing our own accomplishments and shining a light on someone else’s.
Fragale’s research is clear. Many of us are rewarded for lifting others up and punished when we talk openly about our own successes. At the same time, people can’t value work they never see. Influence requires visibility, and visibility doesn’t magically materialize on its own.
This lands for me every single Wednesday at MWI. During our staff meeting, everyone shares one win from the past week and one priority for the week ahead. Such a simple prompt, but it forces me to pause and ask, “What did I actually do last week?” You would think that would be an easy question. It never is. Most weeks I’m looking at my notebook thinking, “How did I forget the seven things I promised myself I’d remember?”
But this practice works. It nudges me to make my work visible in a way that feels honest and grounded, not performative or self-congratulatory. It also makes space to celebrate other people’s wins, which is one of my favorite parts of the week. Fragale would say that’s the sweet spot. Self-promotion shows competence.
Other-promotion shows warmth. Together, they shape how people experience us. And let me be honest: some days I get this balance right. Other days I absolutely do not. It’s so much easier to highlight someone else’s brilliance. It takes more intention to say out loud, “Here’s something I’m proud of,” or “Here’s the impact I’m trying to make.”
That’s why this topic feels relevant for anyone in the workplace and for anyone thinking about their personal or professional brand. Whether you are climbing a leadership ladder, navigating a new role, or trying to build trust inside your organization, influence doesn’t come from being the loudest or the quietest. It comes from being real, visible, and aligned with the people around you.
So as we head into 2026, here is my invitation to all of us. Let’s practice naming the work we’re proud of and the people who made it possible. Let’s talk openly about what we’re trying to build. Let’s give credit freely. And let’s stop assuming that visibility is the same thing as arrogance. Visibility is what helps people understand how we can make things better, together.
Thank you for being part of this series and for the thoughtful comments along the way. Writing these posts has been a bright spot for me, and I hope something in them encouraged, challenged, or affirmed you this year.
By: Elizabeth Hill, Director of Communications & Development at MWI and Co-Editor of Ombuzz