Are you struggling to be visible to your higher-ups? Does self-promotion make you feel uncomfortable? If so, you are not alone. Many professionals recognize the importance of being visible but find it hard to promote themselves. In this article, we’ll explore six strategies that can help you be more visible in front of your higher-ups without triggering discomfort with self-promotion.
Why Visibility Matters
Let’s start by understanding the benefits of visibility. When you are visible in front of your higher-ups, you establish meaningful and equitable relationships at work. These individuals have decision-making authority over projects, budgets, and the strategic direction of the whole organization. Being visible helps you solidify your leadership effectiveness as a leader on your team and in your industry. Moreover, when you become more visible, you can be more valued for your contributions, and your team can receive recognition for their work.
The Six Strategies
The following six strategies are based on the ABCs. Each strategy starts with a letter from A to E. Let’s dive into the details.
Acknowledge the Contribution of Others
One of the key behaviors of a leader is to acknowledge the contribution of others. When you give credit where it’s due, you position yourself as a leader in your industry. Be specific in your acknowledgments. What did they contribute, and why was it important? By doing so, you can practice your leadership skills by building and coaching others to be successful.
Build Meaningful Connections with Visible People
The people in executive positions, those who make decisions about strategy and lead teams, are the most visible in your organization. Don’t be intimidated by them. Instead, take the steps to overcome your nervousness and anxiety around them. Build equitable relationships with visible people by being around them, observing them, and engaging with them. The individuals you surround yourself with can inspire you and help you grow.
Create Value for Your Company
Creating value for your company can increase your visibility. Be proactive in identifying areas where you can contribute and offer solutions that align with your company’s goals. Consider how your ideas can benefit your team and your company. By demonstrating your value, you can increase your visibility and gain recognition.
Deliver Results Consistently
Delivering results consistently is a surefire way to be visible to your higher-ups. Set clear goals for yourself and your team, and work hard to achieve them. Be accountable for your results, and don’t shy away from taking on challenging assignments. When you consistently deliver results, you establish a reputation for yourself as a dependable and valuable team member.
Establish Your Expertise
Establishing your expertise can boost your visibility. Be confident in your abilities and share your knowledge with others. Seek opportunities to present your work or speak at conferences. Write articles or blog posts about topics related to your field. When you establish yourself as an expert, you become a go-to person in your industry.
Follow Up and Follow Through
Following up and following through is critical for building and maintaining relationships. If you promise to do something, make sure you deliver on your promise. Be responsive to emails and messages, and don’t leave people hanging. By following up and following through, you show that you are reliable and trustworthy.
Conclusion
Being more visible to your higher-ups is crucial for career growth and success. By acknowledging the contributions of others, building meaningful connections with visible people, creating value for your company, delivering results consistently, establishing your expertise, and following up and following through, you can boost your visibility without self-promotion. Remember, being visible is not just about getting noticed. It’s about establishing equitable relationships and making meaningful.
