Do you suffer from Tiara Syndrome?

“Tiara Syndrome” is a term originally developed by Carol Frohlinger and Deborah Kolb founder of Negotiating Women and then used by Sheryl Sandberg in her book "Lean In". While this syndrome is gender agnostic, it is more common in women because of socialization and not any other innate gender differences.

Drawing parallel with my work with a theatre artist, he introduced me to the three Circles of Energy™ by Patsy Rodenburg. First circle people are introverted or self-absorbed, and when they are talking to others, they focus their energy inward. Third circle people are bombastic or bullies, and they focus their energy outward to dominate. Second circle people have the right balance between self-awareness and presence for others.

Similarly, when you showcase your work, neither do you need not be completely inward (claiming less credit for what you did) or be overbearing and showcasing more than you did (over-claiming). The balance act of showcasing what and how you did to appropriate stakeholders at the right juncture is an art.

Here are few ways in which you can share that you aspire, do the ground-work and simply claim the tiara.

1. Be your cheer leader. Look for right opportunities to share your experiences and learnings in appropriate forums and meetings. It is also powerful when someone else highlights and showcases your work. 

2. Build credible teammates and champions/sponsors across levels who can vouch for you and your work even in your absence. The experiences you have provided, the way you have contributed and connected in different times comes into play in these moments.

3. Ongoingly solicit feedback on your strengths and areas of development. It will help you to know how you are being perceived by others.

4. Voice your aspiration, kind of projects and experiences you wish to have in your role. Ask people what skillsets did they need to exhibit to gain entry into your aspirational projects.

5. Be part of key internal organizational projects. This is a great way to understand larger perspective and connect with cross-functional stakeholders.

6. Stay curious about business, other functions and industry in general. Network with different folks and have a general idea of what is going on in the organization and industry in general. 

7. Do feel free to share your experiences of how you have appropriately positioned yourself and your work.