Fake it until you make it. Act you’ve been there. Say thank you and move on.
Over time, one acquires a good bit of advice on what to do when they’re transitioning from one level of success to another. I first heard the phrase “Fake it until you make it” in the Jaycees 10 years ago during Local Presidents’ Summit. The idea is simple: If you’re not where you want to be at this very moment, then behave like you’re there and at some point the illusion will become reality.
You want to be a big company and you’re only a small one? Then, make certain that your collateral (marketing material) and offices look like the big companies.
It’s a good mindset as long as a) you don’t spend a mint faking it (see financial collapse of 2008) b) you actually make it
The second adage is that people on the rise really need to figure out what people who’ve already made it behave like and do their best to be have that way. Going all Gomer Pile in a new situation is the easiest way to get a rookie reputation, which isn’t all together bad but why start farther back than necessary. A good rule of thumb is “when it doubt”, shut the hell up and listen.
The final rule of thumb (don’t worry there’s really a point coming) is to just say thank you to a compliment even if internally you feel it isn’t deserved. Compliments are rare so why reject them? Oh gosh, I don’t deserve that compliment, you should take it back. F- that, say thanks and move on. You’ll get ripped for something soon enough so why not enjoy the compliment?
Why the pontificating on faking it? This is mostly an enhanced grape-juice reminder to myself to just accept the praise of those who don’t really see behind the curtain and be pleased to be moving from — who are you? to oh, you’re with TechWhirl. That’s run by the STC, right? 
Recently, I was added to a list of “leaders” in the tech comm industry, which frankly is laughable. Our writers who develop the content? Yes. Connie, my partner, friend and the Editor, absolutely. The guy who when he explains his thinking on the subject gets the polite silence to his views as leader? LOL, not really.
It’s flattering and definitely appreciated but as a person who will reject someone wishing me luck when luck isn’t needed I find myself in dire need of correcting the error. Maybe in a couple years, but not today. There’s too much to do and too much to accomplish before the title is acceptable.
But for now, I guess I just get to be silent and say thank you.
