VISIBILITY: What it is and why you need it

Visibility is about getting noticed in your current organisation. If you feel you’ve been overlooked for a promotion or don’t get put on any interesting projects, then it may be time to increase your visibility with management and your colleagues. Here are some tips on how to do that.

Be able to outline your achievements to date, based on daily victories.

It’s a good idea to keep track of these by writing down your top two or three (large or small) achievements each day. This makes it easy to outline the progress you’ve made so far.


Be clear on your plans for the next steps of your work.

Outline where you’re at currently and how you plan to proceed. This shows that you are organised and forward thinking, along with presenting the image of you being competent and confident. It’s OK if you’re not 100% sure on the next steps, but having a plan (that may change) is the important thing. Also, it’s good to be open to critical feedback, especially if it makes your plans better.


Ideas for improvements or innovations

Do you have ideas or suggestions for making things better at work? Create a one-page summary (using this template) and present it to your manager. It’s crucial to identify any questions or concerns that might come up before the conversation and be prepared for them - that’s why the one-pager is so important.


Networking and making the ask

Networking is really about starting conversations and building relationships. You don’t have to beg for anything, but it’s a good idea to ask for something that would be useful for you. I hope you think this point is super simple and straight-forward - some people find it challenging, and others simply haven’t thought of it. So there it is, make the first step and go over to talk to someone who may benefit from knowing you and whom you may be able to help also.


Become indispensable

Become the go-to person for as much as possible. That way management, colleagues and clients will hear about your work through the grapevine and will talk about your accolades for you. This means volunteering for more work, projects or giving more of your time or energy.


Be able to articulate the value you bring to the organisation

Ensure that you can highlight what your work involves (competencies), the skills you can bring to the organisation that maybe others can’t, your achievements to date and your personal attributes. Also and of course, remember to express these points in a humble way - you don’t want to come across in the wrong way.