In tough economic times, such as we have faced in recent years, it can be tempting to keep your head down and just focus on doing your job. When organizational changes occur and layoffs loom, paranoia permeates the air. Everyone retreats to their desks, hoping not to draw any negative attention to themselves. They seem to believe that if they are invisible, nobody will find them.
Even in good times, many professionals prefer to keep a low profile at work. They may be strong performers, but they lack visibility among key leaders and influential peers. Some professionals are more introverted by nature, choosing to shy away from too much exposure. Others would love greater visibility, but they don't know how to achieve it.
In good times or bad, lack of visibility can limit your career advancement options. You may be an exceptional performer with unlimited potential, but if others do not recognize the contributions you make, your value to the organization is greatly diminished. This is particularly dangerous in tough times, as perceived value is a major factor in determining who keeps their jobs. If you are committed to career advancement, influential leaders, in particular, need to understand your role and its significance.
If you would like to get promoted, increase your visibility, and maximize your overall career success, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Speak up
You, undoubtedly, have ideas and opinions that would enrich discussions and potentially influence your team's direction. Rather than sit quietly on the sidelines, share your ideas with others. You can do this in meetings, one-on-one discussions with your manager, or even in casual lunch or hallway conversations.
2. Get involved
Find opportunities to participate on cross-functional teams. Your manager is likely bogged down with meetings and would love the opportunity to have you represent the group on a particular project team. Also, many organizations have employee affinity groups or philanthropic initiatives. These are great opportunities to meet professionals across the company that you otherwise never would have encountered.
3. Raise your hand
If you are a consistently high performer, you are probably ready for new challenges. Ask for more responsibility, or take the initiative to solve a problem that has been affecting your team. This is a great way to increase your visibility, as well as demonstrate your leadership potential, which are both critical if you want to get promoted.
Keeping a low profile can feel much safer than putting yourself out there. You do not have to worry about public failure, others' judgments, conflict, etc. But if you are committed to career advancement, you must increase your visibility. It may require that you step outside your comfort zone, but you will be making an important investment in your career success.
If you would like to get promoted or further advance your career, but you struggle with a lack of visibility, consider finding a coach or mentor to help you overcome this powerful career obstacle and more effectively achieve your career goals.
Kim Meninger, certified career coach and founder of Great Heights Coaching, works with corporate professionals to successfully overcome career obstacles and advance their careers. Prior to coaching, Kim had a highly successful corporate career, which she attributes, in large part, to her strategic approach to career management. Kim is passionate about helping other professionals achieve similar levels of career success. For more information on how Great Heights Coaching can help you reach your full potential, visit http://www.GreatHeightsCoaching.com, or call (508) 740-9158.
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