Getting to a place where you stand out among your peers can be challenging. With remote and hybrid work environments, unstable industries, and more generations in the workforce than ever, employers aren’t always able to focus on the value individual team members bring. Instead of hoping that your manager recognizes your value, take steps to show them. Here are some ways to highlight your value to your manager and organization.
Do (Good) Work
This may seem easy, but you’d be surprised by how many employees are not doing good work or not really doing their work at all. According to a recent Gallup report, “quiet quitters” — employees who are doing the bare minimum to meet their job requirements — make up approximately 50 percent of the U.S. workforce. To make sure you don’t fall into this category, do your work and do it well. Keep track of your tasks and projects. Check them off as you complete them and ensure your manager is aware of the progress you are making.
Publicize Your Accomplishments
You don’t need to take out a billboard every time you complete a project, but you do need to make sure your manager is up to date on your accomplishments. Don’t assume they’re aware of all the work you are involved in. Many employees assist others with various requests and projects, and their managers don’t always know about the additional work they take on. During regular check-ins with your manager, be sure to mention what you've accomplished and how it’s beneficial to the organization.
Hone Your Soft Skills
Soft skills are personal attributes and character traits that complement hard, or technical, skills. A recent LinkedIn report found that employers feel soft skills are the most important for employees to strengthen and put into practice. Sharpening soft skills like leadership and communication can help you demonstrate your value on a regular basis.
Create Strong Relationships
Strong relationships in the workplace don’t just happen — you have to actively nurture them. Start by building trust with other employees by consistently producing quality work, delivering on your promises, and being a source of support. A recent Slack study found that employees who feel trusted are more productive. Creating strong relationships will allow you to navigate potential issues, collaborate across teams, and establish credibility, which is always valued.
Make Your Manager’s Life Easier
Managers are busy people. When possible, offer to take on some of the tasks that are weighing them down or that will help you develop your own skills. Not only will your manager appreciate your willingness to help, you’ll also prove your value to them and the organization.
Regardless of how challenging you may find it, highlighting your value is critical to ensuring that your importance to the organization is clear. Implement these tips to receive the recognition you deserve.
ON TOPIC
Optics can carry a lot of weight in an organization. But getting noticed involves more than just putting yourself out there. To increase your visibility with the higher-ups, you need an advocate. Forging relationships with people who can influence others and provide opportunities for you to show your value through managing projects, leading meetings, or networking is critical. It’s also important to remember that the value of your work depends on the needs of the moment. As your department’s or company’s goals evolve, so must your contribution. Keep the following questions in mind to be sure you remain a relevant and valuable part of the organization:
• How do my colleagues and management view my position and my work? Do I have a good reputation?
• Is my work connected to revenue generation or beneficial shifts in company culture?
• Do people think of me when they need assistance with an important task or project?
• Do people of power recognize, applaud, and support the projects I lead?
• Do I have relationships with essential people — supervisors, decision makers, and influencers? How do I define those relationships?
Asking yourself these questions periodically will help you identify shifts that can affect your visibility. It can also keep you keyed into how you approach your work. In addition to self-reflection, you can also ask your manager for a 360 review. This performance evaluation gathers broad feedback from your colleagues, staff, customers, and others with the objective of providing you with a better understanding of your effectiveness as well as areas where you could improve.
Remember, increasing your visibility is typically a long game. Be patient. As you reveal your capability and commitment, people will notice your work, seek out your input, and ultimately value and reward you.
