<p>Well, I’ve had the advantage of a military career and retiring, and now a civilian career with a lot or peers and subordinates. One thing I have found when it came to OPR/EPR and Yearly Performance reports (Civilian world) is that many times the supervisor either asks for an “Unofficial” completed performance report; or at least a list of accomplishments throughout the last year. I won’t say that the majority of supervisors military/civilian do this; but a large part do.</p>
<p>Now, whether or not you write them as walking on water or not is not important. That’s because the rater wrote that or specifically ASKED the person for such accomplishments. And for what it’s worth, if the supervisor basically tells you to write your own or to provide all the accomplishments, then you go out of your way to say just how good you are. That is NOT the time to be humble. The supervisor has already demonstrated that they didn’t care enough about you the last 12 months to monitor and document you accomplishments, they sure in hell aren’t going to write you up on their own later for awards. Which also means that when you are ready to PCS on to a new base, and you know the supervisor as the type who made you basically write your own performance reports, then do not be shy to furnish them all your accomplishments for any awards prior to leaving.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this is how it is for many employees. Military and civilian. However, this has absolutely nothing to do with bragging. In both cases above, the subordinate was solicited for their accomplishments. Plus, it’s totally different to let your BOSS know of your accomplishments than it is to bring them up to your peers. </p>
<p>Which brings me back to the original comment that brought up this debate. When you walk into BCT, you are now among your peers. You don’t need to be wearing “Air Force” paraphernalia. It can look like bragging of your appointment or your arrogance in what you believe you are going to accomplish. Also, I would also suggest that you don’t wear other personal items such as “State Championship” clothing or anything else that portrays a personal accomplishment. These could be considered bragging. And considering the company you are in with all the others who have accomplished similar feats, it doesn’t set a good first impression. However, if in private an upper classman or staff member asks you about any personal accomplishments in high school; then that is solicited and not bragging. I suggest however answering the question directly and not expounding on it.</p>
<p>So hornet, bullet, and flymom are all correct. Matter of fact, they all said pretty much the same exact thing. When hornet said inflate and boast, many times that is exactly what is being asked of you. If your supervisor asks for the input, then is NOT the time to be humble. To be humble then is to screw yourself. If they didn’t want your opinion of yourself, they would have collected data themselves throughout the year and never would have asked you for your accomplishments. However, as flymom eluded to, that same boasting to peers and such is not a good thing. Definitely a big difference between solicited and un-solicited. Un-solicited is “BRAGGING”. Solicited is “Taking care of your career”.</p>