Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Success Can't Find You in the Shadows

Vidya Raman • November 20, 2024

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: Success Can't Find You in the Shadows

Introduction

We are in the last quarter of 2024, and there is a high probability that your manager is talking about YOU in performance calibration meetings.

Across many organizations, managers are discussing the performance and potential of their direct reports with peers and higher-ups. Your performance is likely being reviewed, with your manager’s peers sharing opinions and comparing you to others in your peer group.

You’ve worked hard, stayed late, and delivered results. Your manager appreciates it—but do their peers and seniors know you? In a peer-driven decision process with limited opportunities, visibility is crucial for your contributions to be truly valued.

So, the question is: How much time are you intentionally investing in making yourself visible across the organization?

Why Visibility Matters

In the corporate world, being invisible can severely limit your career growth. The truth is, the impact of not being known or seen is greater than most realize. No matter how great your work is, if it goes unnoticed, it’s like it never happened.

If people don’t know the value you bring, you won’t be considered for high-profile projects, leadership roles, or even that well-deserved raise.

When you're not visible, your influence diminishes. If people don’t know who you are or the impact you've made, your voice naturally carries less weight.

Something that is lost in conversations about workplace visibility is that lack of visibility can have a significant impact on lifetime earnings. Research shows that employees who are more visible and connected with key decision-makers tend to advance faster and earn more over time.

Being visible ensures that your name is tied to your contributions. Without this recognition, you risk missing out on opportunities that match your skills and ambitions.

Are you ready to become intentional and proactive about raising your visibility at work?

What Visibility is not about

Gaining visibility at work isn’t about being the loudest or trying to take up space just to be noticed. Those who do that often come across as all talk, with little substance. True visibility is about showing up with purpose. It’s about choosing the right moments to speak, contributing in ways that move the needle, and being present in a way that truly matters. When you understand group dynamics, listen with intention, and offer thoughtful insights, your presence will naturally stand out.

Being visible means positioning yourself as someone who brings solutions, not just noise. It’s not about interrupting or forcing yourself into conversations—it’s about knowing when your voice will make the greatest impact. Most managers appreciate team members who understand the flow of a meeting and respect the dynamics in play. Think ahead of the potential opportunities for you to speak up about the value you bring or showcase the talents you possess.

Remember, visibility is never about shouting the loudest; it’s about letting your value shine through in a way that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Stop Waiting—Create Your Own Visibility

Opportunities are everywhere, but they won’t come to you if you’re hiding in the shadows. Many professionals wait for someone else to notice their hard work, but the truth is, you have the power to create your own visibility. Here’s how:

1. Speak Up in Meetings:

How many times have you joined a Zoom call, stayed on mute, and missed a chance to share your perspective? A little preparation can help you ask the right questions or propose meaningful solutions that get you noticed.

Think of those company-wide Corporate Social Responsibility Programs(CSR), Corporate Wellness Programs, ESG, and ERG meetings and have chosen to go off camera and on mute and continue working on the task at hand. Could this have been the opportunity for visibility with a broad audience?

If you're ready to get out of the shadows and be seen, I invite you to watch my 1-minute YouTube video

and subscribe to my channel https://youtube.com/@vidyaraman for more content like this.

2. Network Intentionally:

Build relationships across teams, not just within your department. Make connections that matter.

3. Leverage Internal Platforms: Use company newsletters, forums, or channels to share insights, highlight your accomplishments, or speak on industry trends. This is your chance to position yourself as a thought leader.

4. Ask for High-Visibility Projects: Don’t hesitate to ask for projects that showcase your strengths. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

5. Find a Sponsor/Mentor: Seek out leaders who will coach, direct, and advocate for you.

6. Celebrate Your Wins: Don’t keep your successes to yourself. Share them with the right people—strategically, not boastfully.

With remote work, your overall visibility requires even more intentionality and preparation. Engage in virtual meetings, share insights, and communicate consistently to ensure you’re always on people’s minds.

Success Will Find You

If you’re waiting for someone to recognize your hard work and offer you a promotion, you might be waiting a long time. Find ways to step out of the shadows and be seen. You have the power to shape how you are perceived and known at work. Make it easy for success to find you. So, act—get visible, get known, and get ahead. Your career success and lifetime earnings depend on it.

WIN-WIN Takeaway:

If you are a team leader, be purposeful and intentional about increasing the visibility of your high-value direct reports. This generous act of considering their needs will keep them engaged, and contributing, and make you shine as a leader. It’s a Win-Win! More importantly, they won’t become a flight risk, which could result in a Lose-Lose for both parties.

Visibility Leads to Opportunity—Make Sure You’re Seen!

Unlock your career potential with my Career Advancement Mentorship program. Get four one-on-one personalized coaching sessions plus a full year of unlimited access to my Group Coaching on Fridays for continued support. Check out the details on my Coaching page - https://www.vidyaraman.com/coaching or just set up a complimentary 15-minute Clarity Call with me here https://calendly.com/vidyaraman/clarity-call

Warm regards,

Vidya Raman

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