How to be visible at work
Visibility in the workplace
What does good visibility look like? Why might we be reluctant to be visible? And what are some tips for improving our visibility?
We’ve noticed a recurring theme in our mentoring and coaching sessions: an expectation to be “visible” in the workplace. This can be daunting, especially for junior employees who may feel insecure about putting themselves out there.
What is visibility in the workplace?
Visibility in the workplace means being seen and recognised for your contributions, skills, and efforts. It goes beyond merely completing tasks; it's about ensuring that your achievements and the value you bring are acknowledged by colleagues, particularly those senior to you. This visibility can include participating in meetings, sharing updates, networking, and being active in in-person and online professional communities.
Why is visibility important?
Recognition and value: Visibility ensures that your contributions are noticed, which can lead to recognition, rewards, and career advancement.
Career progression: Senior leaders might not see your daily efforts. Being visible helps bridge this gap so your work is recognised during performance reviews and promotions.
Building a professional identity (a “brand”): part of your professional identity is shaped by how visible you are in your workplace and industry. This can lead to new opportunities within and outside your current organisation.
Is visibility harder for some than others?
Visibility can indeed be harder for some than for others, particularly for junior employees, women, and minorities. Junior employees often struggle with confidence in making themselves visible because they may fear being perceived as bragging or overstepping their boundaries. Past negative experiences, such as being put down in meetings, facing bullying, or receiving non-constructive criticism, can chip away at your confidence and willingness to stand out. Women and minorities face unique challenges in this regard due to:
Microaggressions: subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors can undermine confidence.
Dominated meetings: in meetings, their voices might be overshadowed by more dominant colleagues.
Office housework: women and minorities are more likely to be assigned less glamorous tasks, which don’t contribute to high visibility. Read our insights piece on pushing back on office housework.
Harsher punishments: research shows that women and minorities are often punished more severely for mistakes, making them more hesitant to step into the spotlight.
Why do employers want you to be visible?
Employers value visibility because it can:
Demonstrate value: it helps them see the value you bring to the organisation, especially if they don't interact with you daily.
Facilitates management: managers can more easily advocate for your promotion and rewards if your achievements are well-known.
Encourages engagement: visible employees are often more engaged, contributing to a positive work culture.
Tips for increasing visibility in different contexts
1. Connect your visibility with your skills and purpose
Align it with your goals: ensure your visibility efforts highlight how your work aligns with team and organisational goals. This will help to ensure that your visibility is relevant to you and your colleagues rather than for the sake of being visible.
Authentic communication: share achievements in a way that feels natural to you. If you don’t like talking about what you have done, use phrases like, "I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made on..." instead of "I did this."
2. Be visible in meetings
Prepare and participate: come prepared to speak on topics where you have expertise. Don’t wait for permission to share valuable insights. If it’s an online call and you’re struggling to come in on a point, consider posting it on the chat function as a first step.
Seek opportunities: volunteer for high-visibility projects or tasks that align with your strengths. This will increase your visibility where you can showcase your skills.
3. Use online platforms
LinkedIn: share updates about your work, articles related to your field, and professional achievements. Again, do this in a way that you feel comfortable with if you’re worried about being one of “those” people on LinkedIn. Focus on team projects, posting interesting articles related to your field, and relevant networking events if that feels like a safer starting point than focusing on your individual achievements.
Company Platforms: engage in internal forums and communication channels to showcase your involvement and achievements.
4. Communicate your achievements
Regular Updates: send regular updates to your manager about your progress and achievements. This can be through weekly reports or casual check-ins.
Highlight team efforts: frame your contributions as part of the team’s success but also give clarity on where you added value within a team or project.
5. Network and build relationships
Internal networking: build relationships with colleagues and leaders across different departments. This can help spread awareness of your contributions.
Workplace mentor/buddy: seek a relevant industry mentor, in your workplace who can advise on your specific context and advocate for you.
So, while it might not always feel easy, there are strategies to help you become more visible in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your values. Remember, visibility is not about bragging; it's about ensuring your hard work is recognised and valued!
