Mastering Upward Management: Avoid Elon Musk-Style Emails by Proving Your Value with Confidence

• To keep your job, show your work.
• This advice from Elon Musk stresses the need for self-promotion.
• Experts offer tips on making your accomplishments visible at work.

Imagine doing great work, but no one knows about it. If your boss isn’t aware of your achievements, did they really happen? Sadly, in many workplaces, the answer is no.

Recently, Elon Musk urged federal employees to send an email listing five accomplishments from the previous week, highlighting the need for visibility in one’s work. He warned that not responding could imply resignation.

Career experts describe Musk’s approach as tough but effective. In today’s job market, especially with layoffs affecting many sectors, it’s crucial to keep your contributions front and center.

Employers are more focused on employees’ output than ever, largely due to the shift toward remote and hybrid working arrangements. This change means they can’t always see what everyone is working on, so it’s essential to keep them informed.

Mary Abbajay, a career coach, emphasizes that your boss has their own tasks to manage and might miss your updates unless you share them. Many people, especially women, feel uneasy about discussing their successes at work. However, Abbajay points out that sharing accomplishments shows confidence, not arrogance. Stating facts, like completing a project early or under budget, is simply about letting others know what you’ve done.

How can you effectively showcase your achievements? Here are some strategies:

• After finishing a key task, send your boss a quick email or mention it during a chat. Share what you’ve done and the impact it has had on the team or company.
• During check-ins with your boss, start by discussing what you’ve accomplished since your last meeting. This routine keeps your work top of mind.
• If appropriate, send out a weekly or bi-weekly update on what you’re working on. This could include a summary of your accomplishments along with your goals for the coming days. Let your boss know they don’t need to reply, reducing their workload.
• Consider creating a team newsletter that highlights achievements, perhaps featuring individual team members. This can broaden your visibility beyond just your direct manager.
• Keep your digital calendar up to date. This gives your boss easy access to see your workload and progress.

Your approach should adapt to your boss’s management style. If they are hands-on, they might want regular updates. For a more relaxed manager, you may need to be proactive in highlighting your successes.

It can feel uncomfortable, but promoting your own achievements is essential. It’s your job to ensure others see your value and contributions. As Abbajay states, “If you don’t tell them, who will?”