You Can’t Grow If They Don’t Know
You could be doing outstanding work. Always beating deadlines, solving problems, supporting teammates. But if the people who make promotion decisions don’t know about it, your career may stall. This is one of the most frustrating yet fixable challenges professionals face.
At Leader Loop, we say this often: performance is the foundation, but visibility is the accelerator. It’s not about bragging. It’s about making sure your contributions are aligned with business goals and recognized by the people who influence your career trajectory.
According to a study by the Center for Talent Innovation, 83% of people say they need others to be aware of their work to advance. Yet nearly half admit they struggle to make their value visible.
Why Visibility = Opportunity
Visibility is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being seen as someone who adds value, solves real problems, and moves the business forward.
Here’s what visibility unlocks:
Recognition
Your work may speak for itself, but people need to hear it. Visibility ensures your performance is noticed by the right audience.
Opportunity
You become a go-to person for projects, cross-functional collaborations, and leadership roles. That doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you’re known.
Influence
When decision-makers understand your strengths and impact, your ideas carry more weight.
Career Trajectory
Promotions and raises are often based on perception as much as output. If leadership doesn’t see your contributions, you may be passed over.
Five Ways to Get Visible (Without Being Cringe)
1. Speak Up in Meetings with Intention
Don’t contribute just to fill airtime. Share insights, ask thoughtful questions, or connect your work to broader goals. Aim to be the person who adds clarity or value to the discussion.
2. Share Wins in Team Updates
When you complete a big project or hit a key milestone, include it in a team update or recap. Give credit to collaborators, but clearly state your role. For example: “We launched the campaign on schedule, and I led the data prep to make it happen.” Say it with tact and not a bragging tone.
3. Get Involved in Cross-Functional Work
Working outside your immediate team exposes you to new leaders and broadens your influence. Look for opportunities to contribute to initiatives that matter to the company. These projects can build your reputation beyond your core team.
4. Keep Your Manager in the Loop
Your manager can be your biggest advocate, but only if they know what you’re working on and where you’re making an impact. Schedule brief check-ins to share updates, connect your work to business goals, and highlight progress.
5. Tie Your Work to Business Priorities
Before starting a project or pitching an idea, ask yourself: “How does this support a company goal?” When your work clearly moves the business forward, it becomes easier for others to see your value.
The Gist
Doing great work is essential, but it’s not enough on its own. If decision-makers don’t see your contributions, they won’t think of you when it’s time to promote or select someone for a stretch assignment.
Visibility is not about being flashy. It’s about being intentional. Make sure your work is aligned with business goals, shared at the right time, and visible to the right people. That’s how you get promoted—and how you grow your influence at work.
Book rec: Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett offers smart insights on how visibility and perception shape leadership careers.
About Leader Loop: Leader Loop crafts actionable, competency-focused articles to accelerate your career growth. Our expert-written content provides practical strategies for leadership, team management, and professional development. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or an ambitious individual contributor, our articles deliver the insights you need to excel in today’s workplace.
