Sis, You’re Playing Small (And It’s Costing You Big)
You’ve been working too hard to act like it doesn’t matter.
Doing all the things, holding it together, making magic happen—and still playing small when it’s time to talk about it?
Let me be real with you: Being quiet about your wins isn’t cute. It’s costly.
And we’re not doing that anymore.
Not in 2025. Not ever again.
They Can’t Clap for You If They Don’t Know What You Did—Speak Up.
We were raised to stay humble. “Put your head down and work hard.” “Let your work speak for itself.”
But let’s be honest—how’s that working out?
The coworkers getting the opportunities, the pay raises, and the leadership roles? They’re not sitting quiet in the back. They’re telling their story—on repeat. And LOUD, SIS.
Being humble isn’t keeping you safe. It’s keeping you overlooked.
And you didn’t come this far just to be looked over.
Step 1: Write It All Down—Your Memory Will Thank You
You’ve done more than you give yourself credit for, but when someone asks “What is your greatest achievement?” you freeze.
Why? Because you haven’t been keeping score.
This week, brain dump every single thing you’ve done in Q1—whether you think it’s major or not.
- ✅ Finished a project ahead of schedule? Write it down.
- ✅ Mentored the new coworker and kept her from quitting? Write it down.
- ✅ Spoke up in a meeting and your idea changed the game? Write it down.
WRITE 👏🏾 IT 👏🏾 DOWN.
Need some help?
Here’s a sample list of accomplishments to get you going:
- Led a new project and delivered X results
- Trained a teammate and helped them with X, Y, Z
- Negotiated a deal that led to X quantitative result
- Advocated for yourself and got X result
- Created a system that improved efficiency by X percent
- Presented in front of leadership and landed at X decision
- Learned a skill that enhanced X capability in Y way
- Fixed something no one thought was fixable and it led to X result
Step 2: Shrink for What? Give Your Work the Props It Deserves
Enough with the “I just helped” energy. You didn’t just help—you led it. You figured it out. You made it happen.
- ✅ Instead of: “I managed the project.”
- ✅ Say: “I managed the timeline, kept communication flowing, and we finished two weeks early—saving time, stress, and money.”
This isn’t about having an ego. It’s about being honest about your impact.
Step 3: Tell Your Story Before Someone Else Does (And Gets It Wrong)
People don’t remember bullet points. They remember stories.
And if you don’t tell yours, someone else might—and they may not get it right.
Here’s your simple formula:
- ✅ What was the problem?
- ✅ What did you do?
- ✅ What changed because of you?
You’re not just saying “I did a thing.” You’re showing folks how you made a real difference. And when you speak up, you give another Black woman the runway to do the same.
Step 4: Say It Out Loud—Even If It Makes You Nervous
I know it feels weird at first. But you can’t get what you don’t ask for. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Quiet work doesn’t get rewarded.
- ✅ Mention your wins in your 1:1.
- ✅ Bring them up in team meetings.
- ✅ Post them on LinkedIn (or share them in your group chat!).
Say something like:
“This quarter, I’m proud of leading X, which resulted in Y. I learned Z and I’m excited about what’s next.”
It’s not bragging. It’s sharing facts. And when you speak up, you give another Black woman permission to do the same.
Step 5: Celebrate Yourself Out Loud
Your work deserves a spotlight, not a secret folder on your desktop.
You’re not working this hard to be a best-kept secret.
This week’s Success Sunday Challenge:
- ✅ Write down 3 work accomplishments from Q1
- ✅ Share one in a conversation (with your boss, your mentor, your crew)
- ✅ Post one publicly by Friday (LinkedIn, IG stories, wherever you’re comfortable)
Here's the Bottom Line: You Can't Stay Hidden and Expect to Be Seen
You’re not being extra. You’re finally being seen. And that’s exactly where you belong.
P.S. Still feeling unsure? I got you. Drop a comment below. For the Corporate Curlies who’ve done this right and well—share with us below. We’re in this together.
