BLOG: Give Me Some Credit
Last Updated (Thursday, 29 September 2011 15:32)
by Sandie Torres
What motivates you? In work, in life in general?
That's a question that my former boss once asked me in a management meeting. My answer was overly modest- I said results. My accomplishments and potential results motivate me. Not money, not praise- just the work.
Fast forward to present day, that is a big giant bologna sandwich. While yes, I'm motivated by the results of my work, I'm definitely also motivated by praise. If you create good results, you'll most likely get some praise.
My boss was asking me those questions because he wanted to make sure he was managing me the right way. What did he need to do to keep me happy as an employee? Raises, public praise (in the form of company emails/memos)...but no, I told him to just leave me alone and I would be self-sufficient. I wasn't lying, I believed that.
Isn't it nice when your work is recognized? Even if you're shy and don't want that public praise, you have to admit that compliments feel nice. I'm not saying that I absolutely need constant approval but it definitely has become a factor in what makes me happy at work. Knowing how nice those compliments feel also makes me want to give more compliments.
Ever done a great job at something but you didn't get the credit? Of course that's happened. We're in the behind-the-scenes business. We work quietly to make other people look beautiful. That's what we do and we constantly need to check our ego at the door. Our praise comes from the
results of our artwork and some from our clients, employers and the industry. Have you ever been left off of photo credits? Most of us have. We have to fight to get the credit we deserve. Sometimes in published print magazines, credits are so small that you can barely see them…but at least they're there.
In our business we have to be our own cheerleaders and ask for our credit. How many times have you seen an editorial image posted online somewhere and it’s your hair or makeup work, but there’s no mention of you? You may have to get right in there and credit yourself, it’s the only way. It can happen to any and all parties involved with a project and even though it’s not supposed to happen, it just does. People aren’t trying to be cruel, they just forget. So it’s up to you to remind them and it’s up to you to not take it too personal.
Is it so wrong to have an ego when it comes to being complimented? I think it's normal and appropriate if we can keep it in check. We can't be overly sensitive or let us consume us. I'm actually happy with just a few compliments from the people who know me the best and know how much work I put into a project. A compliment from a stranger is also amazing. Someone you don't know who takes the time to compliment the magazines or an article I've written feels SO nice.
On the flip side of that, insults can hurt, especially when they’re about our artwork. However, if you’re happy in your life and with your work, you can hopefully find a way to not let negativity eat away at you.
There’s an ego balance and I think it’s ok that we might have to remind ourselves to keep that balance. The balance should be: confidence without letting my ego get in the way of my success. If we want to be in the behind the scenes business, we have to accept that and embrace it.
Sandie Torres is the Editor in Chief and Founder of Your Beauty Industry- those are my credits
Read more of Sandie's Blogs:
Can you Boss Around Your Friends?
Trends that Only Work for Celebrities
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