Visibility - MAC081

The job market right now is a really scary place.  Large companies are laying off employees.  Even the government, usually one of the more stable places to work is reducing their headcount.  There are no guarantees of job security unless you own the company, but if you want to provide at least a modicum of safety when the reductions come around, you have to find a way to become indispensable.

There will be many who, when times are tough, will go into what I like to call "turtle" mode.  They'll find ways to hide in their shell and hope that when the cuts come, they're overlooked.  But if you want to be important, it starts with being seen.  While this may feel uncomfortable and risky, if no one knows who you are and what you contribute to the company, how can you be viewed as an indispensable part of the company?

The first step to becoming more visible is to be more vocal.  In meetings, pay attention to what is being discussed and look for opportunities to ask insightful questions.  A well crafted question at the right time can show the attendees that you have desire to learn more about the subject.  You can also express your opinion on topics that you already have a level of understanding.  When others make suggestions, you can also offer support for their ideas -- just be careful of coming across as a "yes man".

The next step is to volunteer.  When there are activities that involve highly visible or extremely challenging tasks, instead of shying away from them, step up and take ownership of those activities.  By taking them on, you show ownership and leadership.  Additionally, success on these assignments is amplified across the organization.

Another way to more visible is to tell everyone.  This isn't about bragging.  But, if you think back to Episode 044 (https://www.managingacareer.com/44), I cover Reporting Status.  In that episode, I talk about how you can create a status report that expresses the value you have provided and how you might tailor those reports to different audiences.  If you create a status report to be sent to your leader and their peers, you can increase you visibility without coming across as braggadocios.

The last way to increase your visibility is to talk to more people.  In Episode 029, Building a Network (https://www.managingacareer.com/29) and Episode 070, Sphere of Influence (https://www.managingacareer.com/70), I offer several ways that you can grow your network -- both within and outside of your company.  Use your network to showcase your contributions, especially with key decision-makers.  Become a hub of knowledge by sharing industry trends and articles about new ideas and technology.  Being that hub will have others seeking YOU out to be a part of THEIR network.

In last week's episode (https://www.managingacareer.com/80) the focus is on turning your Action Plan into daily Habits.  You can apply this same strategy to increasing your visibility.

• To be more vocal, make a point of asking one question in each project meeting that you are in.
• Take ownership by making sure that you leave each meeting with at least one action item.
• Showcase your wins by sending a weekly status report.
• Build your network by scheduling a weekly coffee break with different people within your department.

Hiding in your shell and being quiet may feel comfortable, especially when the world feels chaotic, but that is not the path to job security or career advancement.  When you are just starting out, use visibility to build credibility and showcase your leadership skills.  When you are in the middle job grades, visibility can help you be assigned to the preferred projects.  As you transition to positions of leadership, visibility will strengthen your position and ensure that you are leading a growing team.

Visibility is a critical component of growth.  Help me grow this podcast by going to your podcast platform of choice or the Managing A Career website (https://www.managingacareer.com/reviews/new/) and leaving an honest review.  More reviews will help others searching for career growth podcasts find and follow this podcast.

Are you looking for a career coach? If you reach out to me via the contact form, I will arrange an introductory session where we can talk about your career goals and how I can help. If we're a good fit, we can schedule regular coaching sessions.