Hey, JR here, ok, I used to be the guy who had to make sure everyone knew what I did. 

Not in a harmful way, I was not tearing anyone down. But I was always tracking the scoreboard. If a project succeeded, I wanted my name attached to it. If results showed up, I wanted it clear where they came from. 

I thought this would advance me.

I thought this was a way to ensure I was taking care of my own career.

I remember a performance review where a supervisor told me, "John, it really doesn't matter who gets the credit."

I half-way laughed, then pushed back.

"If it doesn't matter who gets the credit, why does it matter when it's time for promotions?"

That was pretty heavy, I'll admit. I don't think he liked it. And, looking back, that moment said more about me than him.

Because I was trying to prove I belonged.

But please hear me out, and advocate for yourself. Your work should be seen. Your voice should be heard. But I now realize there is a difference between advocating and chasing validation. 

In my recent conversation with Cathilea Robinett, CEO of e.Republic, we uncovered something powerful.

A lot of CEO's feel this same pressure. Well, at least they did early on in their careers.

You walk into rooms and think, I have to prove why I deserve to be here. 

When in reality, your presence in the room is already the proof.

The mindset shift is powerful.

So if you see yourself in this, here are three ways to lead without needing the credit: