Do you sometimes feel that your hard work is “invisible”? Perhaps you do such good work on a regular basis but you are not getting noticed at work. And maybe your manager takes you for granted or doesn’t notice you. Perhaps, because of this, you’re no longer recognized and rewarded for your efforts, as you once were.
In this article, I will discuss strategies for getting noticed for the great work that you do. This, in turn, will help you to continue moving towards your career goals.
Why work on getting noticed?
You might be the hardest worker in your organization, and the one everyone wants on their team – but if you’re not in people’s thoughts, then you’ll be passed up for new projects, additional responsibilities, awards, and promotions.
That’s why you need to be visible at work!
Let’s look at some strategies that can help you get noticed at your workplace.
1. Develop specialist skills
Do you consider yourself a “generalist” – someone who does many different things in different roles – or a “specialist” – someone who is an expert in one or two specific areas?
New businesses often hire generalists, because they can perform in so many different roles. As organizations grow, however, specialists are often hired to focus on key areas. This may leave the hard-working generalists feeling pushed aside and disempowered.
The more knowledgeable and skilful you become in an area, the more likely you are to be noticed for your work.
As organizations grow, specialists are often hired to focus on key areas, leaving the hard-working generalists. The more knowledgeable and skilful you become in an area, the more likely you are to be noticed for your work. Click To Tweet2. Build a Network
How can building a network of contacts help you get noticed in front of the people who matter?
Essentially, if you help people out when they need assistance, then people will help you out too.
And if you take the time to build and nurture relationships with the people around you, you’ll build a network of “allies” who can help you get assigned to interesting, significant, or eye-catching projects that might otherwise go to someone else- recommendations.
Build a network of alliances within your department, with other departments, and with the executive team or board. Try to get assigned to teams that involve a wide variety of people. This can help you build your reputation and make important friendships.
Take the time to build and nurture relationships with the people around you, you'll build a network of 'allies' who can help you get assigned to interesting, significant, or eye-catching projects that might otherwise go to someone… Click To Tweet3. Keep Track of Your Accomplishments
When you’re working hard, it’s easy to forget all your achievements over the last six to 12 months. This won’t help when it’s time for your performance review.
Keep track of all your accomplishments within the organization. If clients or colleagues give you compliments, write them down. If the compliment came in an email, print it. If you exceeded last quarter’s sales goals, get the paperwork that proves it.
Put all these great compliments and achievements in a file and bring the file to your performance review. This gives you hard evidence to prove to your boss what a great job you’re doing. Then, when it’s time to ask for a pay raise or promotion, it may be harder for your manager to say no.
Keep track of all your accomplishments within the organization. Note down the compliments you receive and print them. If you exceeded last quarter's sales goals, get the paperwork that proves it. Click To Tweet4. Get out of the Shadows
Sometimes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, your manager or colleagues may present your ideas as their own. However, if you want to get noticed, you must receive credit for your ideas.
If this happens to you, first find out if it’s also happening to anyone else. Often, a colleague or boss “borrows” ideas from several people, not just one. One way to discover this is by simply watching other people’s body language around this person.
5. Take on More Responsibilities
You can also get noticed by your manager and other executives by taking on more responsibilities whenever possible.
This doesn’t mean that you should overwork yourself! But if you see a new project or role that will help you expand your skills, take advantage of it. Do this, particularly if it’s one that has high visibility within the organization or has a significant impact on the bottom line.
This is particularly important with innovation and process improvement. Developing a reputation as an innovator or creative thinker can be valuable. If you believe that you can innovate and think of good ideas, then try to get assigned to projects where these skills are valued.
You can also get noticed by your manager and other executives by taking on more responsibilities whenever possible. Click To Tweet6. Increase your physical presence
Spend a few minutes every day greeting and talking with your coworkers. A simple smile can help tremendously.
Also, try to speak to colleagues face-to-face from time to time, instead of sending emails or instant messages.
7. Celebrate co-workers
If you have a colleague who works as hard as you, then praise the person in front of your manager. Be specific, and sincere, about what the person is doing.
8. Find a Mentor
Mentors can offer valuable advice and career coaching. The chances are that the mentor has been through the same situations that you’re experiencing and can help you navigate them successfully.
Written by:
Adebayo Ajayi
Personal Excellence Coach
For personal coaching and counselling on Career, kindly send an email Adebayo.ajayi@yahoo.com
Excellent read!
Thank you!