Do you Humblebrag?
What even is humblebrag?
Meet Bob (name changed for privacy reasons), a participant at my recent “working with Americans - successfully” workshop in the Netherlands. Bob is a C-suite executive and a triathlon athlete, standing nearly 2 meters tall. Despite his impressive appearance and exceptional professional and personal accomplishments (iron man!!), he felt overshadowed by his American counterpart, who seemed almost superhuman. This counterpart casually mentioned his achievements without ever sounding boastful, making Dutch Bob feel like a lesser human being.
Bob’s counterpart managed to spend time with his kids, coach his son’s baseball team and daughter’s softball team, volunteer weekly at his local church, manage a team of 30 employees, and bring in lucrative business deals with big-name clients. He was a Harvard grad with a vast network of powerful friends. No wonder Bob felt small next to him, despite his own success.
What is Humblebragging?
A humblebrag (combining the words 'Humble" and "brag") is a statement that combines a boast with a touch of humility. It’s a way of self-promotion that appears modest on the surface but reveals an underlying achievement or success.
Americans tend to excel at humblebragging. It is a key part of establishing a bond of rapport and respect. They casually drop famous names and sprinkle conversations with impressive accomplishments without drawing too much attention to them. This can be intimidating for those not versed in the subtle art of the humblebrag. However, mastering it is often necessary to establish strong professional relationships with your American counterparts.
Examples of Humblebragging:
Social Media Post:
“I can’t believe I got featured in Forbes again. So grateful for the recognition!”
This statement focuses on gratitude while subtly highlighting the significant achievement of being featured in a prestigious publication.
In a Meeting:
“I’m really humbled by the team’s decision to award me the Best Project Manager title. I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support.”
Here, the speaker acknowledges their accolade but shifts some credit to their team, blending modesty with self-promotion.
Should You, a Dutch Entrepreneur, Practice Humblebragging?
Maybe. It requires a subtlety not easy to master. Humblebragging is so common in the US, it is almost expected. If you show up being modest and hiding your accomplishments, your American counterparts may not fully value the contributions you can bring to the table.
So What Should You Do?
Think of your accomplishments. You have more than you can imagine. Don’t be shy! Casually mention them in conversation without going into too much detail. You may feel like you are bragging, but your American audience will most likely appreciate and value you for your amazing achievements. Voila, you are on your way to mastering the subtle art of humblebragging.
Let me know how it goes and what reactions you get!
Dutch American Cultural Differences
This is just one example of many differences between the Dutch and American mentalities, communication and ways of doing business. Understanding these differences and how they affect your interactions with Americans is one of the keys to a successful American expansion. Let me help you prepare for your interactions with your American partners and clients, and help you improve Dutch American collaboration. Simply reply to this email, or schedule a free 30 minute assessment here.
Top 10 insights for working with Americans
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Hi, I'm Annette, the owner of Dutch American Connection. With over 15 years of experience empowering expats and entrepreneurs to thrive in the US, my mission is clear: to equip Dutch entrepreneurs and Dutch/American teams with the essential tools and insights for successful expansion into the American market. By bridging cultural gaps and leveraging their unique strengths, I guide Dutch companies on how to do business in the USA!