Advocates as Self-Promoters
For an introductory look at self-promotion, please see our article “Everyday Self-Promotion and Personality Types.”
Advocates (INFJs), like most Introverts, are likely not comfortable talking about themselves. But they are probably comfortable talking about the causes and beliefs that are important to them. People with this personality type are generally serious and dedicated when inspired, and what employer or decision maker doesn’t like that?
Advocates may need to think about self-promotion as a subsection of promoting that which is bigger than they are. Shining a light on what they’ve been doing promotes Advocates’ abilities and what they have to offer and, in turn, highlights the project itself.
What They Have Going for Them
Advocate personalities want to see others attain a better life. They like fairness and a sense of equity. This is often more than a soft sentiment, as they seek to bring order to their world. This sense of nurturing a person or a human organizational system can translate into helping an organization thrive, especially if the organization’s vision aligns with the values and goals of the Advocate involved. When they shine a light on this natural inclination, Advocates reveal their value to the enterprise. This is the story that most tells an Advocate’s core truth and is likely to sound most authentic to those who hear it.
What Gets in Their Way
Advocates may see the game as rigged and decide not to participate in self-promotion because opportunities may not feel fairly distributed. Or they might see self-promotion as a self-centered act contrary to the altruistic identity that they are most comfortable with. As Advocate personalities tell their stories, they may begin to question their own motives. Am I doing this to impress others? they might ask themselves, and the answer is undeniable. They are. But acknowledging that may make them uncomfortable, and they might pull back on any efforts, wondering if such talk doesn’t mark them as selfish and unconcerned with the needs of others.
Self-Promotion Tip
Accept that totally unselfish acts are rare and that, often, even what may appear to be the most unselfish, giving behavior has some reward on some level for the giver. With that in mind, link self-promotion to the health and success of your life’s missions. As you advance in the workplace, you gain more freedom and a greater ability to advance your causes and beliefs. If your causes and beliefs are something bigger than you, then you are promoting yourself – but in the interest of those larger goals. Suddenly, it may not seem so self-centered.
Naming Your Foundation
Self-promotion for Advocate personalities is a little like starting a charitable foundation. We all know foundations that are sponsored by a celebrity or a wealthy person or family who places their name on an organization that does good works. The celebrity or wealthy person gets the tax perks or publicity that they need, while the good works of the organization get the practical benefits of the attention and funding that the foundation receives. It’s not a perfect analogy, but you get the idea. Self-promotion can be like drawing attention to the things that are important to you by drawing attention to what you’re doing. Telling your story helps you, but it also helps the things that you’re interested in.
We’d love to hear from you. Tell us how self-promotion shows up in your life as an Advocate personality type. What are some of the things that work for you, and what are some of the problems that you run into? Please share in the comment section below.