Peak Performers by Tiffany Uman

How to build your visibility at work

March 11, 2024

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Standing out and building visibility at work has become more crucial than ever for career advancement and recognition.

For peak performers, the goal is to not just meet expectations but to exceed them, to not just be a part of the team but to shine as an indispensable asset as well.

Yet, achieving this requires more than hard work and dedication; it demands strategic visibility. This involves ensuring that your contributions are recognized, your expertise is showcased, and your professional brand resonates within and beyond your immediate team.

The challenge, however, lies in both striving for excellence and doing so in a way that is authentic and aligned with the values and goals of your company.

It is about finding the balance between self-promotion and genuine contribution, between asserting your presence and collaborating effectively.

The quest for visibility should not be driven by ego but by the desire to make a meaningful impact, to inspire innovation, and to drive progress. Simply put, it is necessary to fuel your growth.

That said, without a clear strategy, efforts to stand out can sometimes backfire, leading to perceptions of self-serving motives or overshadowing team contributions. The art of building visibility must be focused on being seen for the right reasons, in the right way, at the right time and by the right people.

I have had the pleasure of interviewing dozens of C-level executives and VPs this past year from major organizations like ALDO, Cirque du Soleil, SAMSUNG, Unilever, Sequoia Capital, Starbucks and more and there was a common thread throughout the conversations. Gaining the right visibility allowed them to open up new opportunities much faster in their respective careers.

The key is to position yourself to catapult your exposure and magnify your distinct impact so that it can be fully appreciated and celebrated. Only then will you forge an unstoppable path that takes you further, faster.

Here's how.

Mistakes hurting your visibility

While the intention to highlight your contributions and expertise is valid, certain missteps can inadvertently hinder your progress and tarnish your professional image.

These mistakes often stem from a lack of balance—prioritizing personal achievements over team success, or misunderstanding the nuances of workplace dynamics.

Here are 5 mistakes that are standing in the way of building your visibility at work.

→ Overpromising and underdelivering: In the eagerness to stand out, there is a temptation to take on more than you can handle. This can lead to missed deadlines or subpar work quality, damaging your credibility. Set the standard you want to live up to and ensure it is something you can be consistent and reliable with so that it instills more trust in you by others.

→ Neglecting team success: Focusing solely on individual achievements can alienate team members and create an environment of competition rather than collaboration. Remember, your success should not come at the expense of the team’s cohesion. You must distinguish what you have specifically done versus the team effort, but not in a way that discounts others.

→ Ignoring company culture: Efforts to increase visibility should align with your organization's values and culture. Actions perceived as aggressive or self-centered can harm your reputation. When your wins and impact elevate the goals of the company, this becomes the true win-win scenario that will continually support you in receiving more visibility.

→ Lack of authenticity: Trying to stand out by adopting a persona that does not truly reflect your true self or values is unsustainable and can lead to distrust. Moreover, most people will see right through this and will be less inclined to support you or go out of their way to be an advocate for you, which will limit your visibility.

→ Failing to network internally: Not building relationships across the organization can limit your visibility. Networking solely outside your company or within a small circle can prevent you from being recognized as a versatile and engaged professional. Networking must remain as an always-on strategy as your relationships are an essential gateaway into boosting your visibility.

3 best practices to build your visibility at work

1/ Consistent performance excellence

Achieving visibility at work goes beyond merely being present; it is about being consistently recognized for excellence in your performance.

Peak performers understand that consistency is key—not just in the quality of work but in the effort to go above and beyond what is expected. This is not about doing more work but rather focusing on the right things that bring greater impact and advocating for yourself.

This level of performance not only sets a high standard but also ensures that you are seen as a reliable, indispensable member of the team. It is about making your mark through a continuous commitment to excellence, where your work speaks volumes, and your dedication becomes synonymous with the value you bring to the organization.

However, consistent performance excellence is not achieved overnight. It requires a strategic approach, focusing on both the big picture and the minutiae of daily tasks.

By aligning your efforts with the company's goals and demonstrating unwavering quality and reliability in your outputs, you create a personal brand of excellence.

This becomes your signature, making you a go-to person in your area of expertise and thus increasing your visibility within the workplace.

Here are 4 action steps to follow:

→ Set clear, achievable goals: Begin with defining clear, measurable goals that align with your team and company's objectives. Break these down into quarterly, monthly, and weekly targets to maintain focus and direction. Regularly review and adjust these goals as necessary to stay aligned with evolving company strategies.

→ Prioritize tasks and projects: Use a priority matrix to identify which tasks and projects will have the most significant impact on your goals. Focus your efforts on high-impact activities that demonstrate your ability to contribute meaningfully to the organization's success. This selective focus ensures that your work consistently aligns with what's most valued.

→ Seek feedback and act on it: Regularly seek feedback from supervisors, peers, and subordinates to gain insights into your performance and areas for improvement. Demonstrating an openness to feedback and a commitment to continuous improvement not only enhances your skills but also solidifies your reputation as a proactive and dedicated professional.

→ Document your achievements: Keep a detailed record of your contributions, including successful projects, feedback from colleagues, and any recognition you receive. This documentation will be invaluable during performance reviews and career path dialogues, helping you articulate your value and impact on the organization seamlessly.

These action steps will create a strong foundation for increased visibility in your workplace and ensure that your efforts are recognized and appreciated, paving the way for career advancement and more leadership opportunities.

2/ Engage in high-visibility projects

Securing a role in high-visibility projects is a strategic move you can certainly leverage. Such projects often come with the chance to work closely with leadership, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful results that get noticed across the company.

Being part of these initiatives not only showcases your skills and dedication but also places you in the spotlight, offering a platform to demonstrate your capability to handle significant responsibilities.

It is about positioning yourself in situations where your work can shine on a broader stage, ensuring that your contributions are visible to key stakeholders and decision-makers.

Finding your way onto these projects requires more than just a willingness to participate and necessitates a proactive approach to identifying opportunities and demonstrating your value to the project team. It is about making yourself an obvious choice for involvement, through a combination of skill development, strategic networking, and effective self-promotion.

Here are 4 steps to put into action:

→ Identify upcoming opportunities: Stay informed about upcoming projects within your organization that align with your skills and professional goals. This can be achieved through regular discussions with your manager, attending strategic planning meetings, or networking with colleagues in different departments.

→ Showcase your skills and interest: Make your interest known to those leading high-visibility projects by clearly communicating how your skills and experience can contribute to the project's success. Prepare a concise pitch highlighting your relevant achievements and how they position you as a valuable asset to the project team.

→ Volunteer for preliminary tasks: Before being selected for a major role in a high-visibility project, volunteer for smaller tasks or preliminary projects related to the main initiative. This shows your enthusiasm and allows you to demonstrate your work ethic and value to the team in a low-risk setting.

→ Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders: Develop and maintain relationships with individuals who are influential in project selection processes. This includes project managers, department heads, and other senior-level personnel. Networking with these individuals can provide insights into the selection process and increase your chances of being considered for prominent roles.

Involvement in such initiatives not only enhances your professional development but also significantly increases your visibility to leadership and peers alike, marking you as a high-impact player in your role.

3/ Fostering collaborative relationships and a strong internal network

Being known as a collaborative and engaged professional can significantly elevate your profile and visibility. These relationships not only enrich your work experience through diverse perspectives and insights but also ensure your contributions and talents are recognized beyond your immediate team.

A well-established network within your organization can act as a multiplier for your visibility, with colleagues in different departments and levels of leadership becoming advocates for your skills and work ethic.

Building this network requires intentional effort to engage with others, contribute positively to the workplace culture, and offer support where it is needed. Showing a genuine interest in others' work and finding ways to add value reinforces your reputation as a team player who is both approachable and reliable.

Through strategic networking and fostering collaborative relationships, you can create a wide-reaching impact, making your name synonymous with positive contributions and teamwork across the company.

Here are 5 steps to fuel your relationship efforts:

→ Engage in cross-departmental projects: Volunteer for projects that require collaboration across different departments. This exposes you to new colleagues and allows you to demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills. It is an effective way to naturally expand your internal network and show your ability to work in diverse teams.

→ Initiate knowledge sharing sessions: Organize or participate in regular knowledge sharing sessions within your organization. These could be formal presentations, informal lunch and learns, best practice sessions, or digital forums. Sharing your expertise and learning from others not only builds your reputation as knowledgeable but also fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.

→ Offer your help proactively: Be on the lookout for opportunities where you can offer your skills and assistance to others, even if it falls outside your usual responsibilities. Helping colleagues with challenges or workload can earn you a reputation as a supportive and dependable team member, thereby increasing your visibility and strengthening your internal network. A great question to ask is "what is your biggest pain point you need solved right now?".

→ Attend company-wide events: Make it a point to attend various company events, social gatherings, and professional development workshops. These settings offer relaxed environments for networking and getting to know people beyond your immediate circle. Active participation in company culture events also demonstrates your commitment to the organization which is always much appreciated by senior leaders.

→ Seek out a mentor and offer mentorship: Establishing a mentor-mentee relationship within your organization can provide you with valuable insights and guidance for your career development. Similarly, offering mentorship to newer or less experienced colleagues can help you build strong, reciprocal relationships, showcasing your leadership qualities and commitment to the success of others.

Cultivating a network of supportive and interconnected relationships is a powerful way to ensure your contributions are recognized and where increasing your visibility becomes a natural consequence of your actions.

How will you build your visibility at work?

Increasing your visibility is not solely about personal ambition, but rather about creating value, driving progress, and fostering an environment of mutual success and recognition. Let your impact shine, make your contributions known, and watch as doors open to new possibilities and acknowledgments in your career growth.

You've got this!

This week's mission is aimed at gaining more visibility at work. Through the below prompts and action steps, you will be positioned to take strides in the right direction and implement daily improvements to garner you more exposure to support your goals.

1/ Focus on performance excellence:

Start the week by reviewing your current projects and tasks. Set specific, measurable goals for each, ensuring they align with both your personal career aspirations and the company’s objectives. Adjust your priorities to focus more on high-impact work.
At the end of the week, prepare a concise update on your projects, highlighting any milestones reached or challenges overcome. Share this update with your manager.

2/ Get involved in high-visibility projects:

Identify 1 upcoming high-visibility project within your company that aligns with your skills and interests. Gather as much information as you can about this project, including its objectives, timeline, and the team involved.
Schedule a meeting with the project leader or your manager to express your interest in contributing to the project. Prepare to discuss how your skills and past achievements make you a valuable addition to the team.

3/ Foster your network:

Identify 2 colleagues from different departments or teams whom you have not had the chance to work with closely. Schedule a virtual coffee chat or a short meeting with each to learn more about their work and discuss potential areas for collaboration.
Volunteer to help with a team or departmental initiative, even if it is outside your usual scope of work. This could be anything from organizing a team-building activity to contributing to a cross-departmental project, showcasing your willingness to support your colleagues and enhance team spirit.

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