When you need this

In a review you have to talk about your own good work, and many people find that uncomfortable. It can feel like bragging. It isn't, if you do it the right way: specific actions, real results, and a fair word about who helped. Your manager can't remember everything you did. If you don't say it, it doesn't make it into the review.

The shape that works is action, then result. "I led the move to the new system, and it cut our reporting time in half." Strong verbs help: led, set up, took on, improved. Vague words don't: "I was involved in" hides what you did. And "we" versus "I" matters. Say "we" for team results and "I" for your part, so you're honest and still visible.

Phrases

names something you did well, without bragging

you were in charge of something

you accepted extra work or responsibility

you started something without being asked

connects your action to a result

made a cost or time smaller by an amount

finished by the deadline, at the planned cost

did much more than was expected

had a clear, good effect

gives fair credit to others

good comments from a client or coworker

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.