|
FEATURE ARTICLE
INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY… AND JOB SECURITY
Assume your organization is downsizing and you have no choice but
to layoff one of these two valued employees: Sarah or Jim.
Both have the same job title and have been with your
company for about four years.
Sarah is always at her desk. She's soft-spoken and
gets her work done on time. But you're not quite sure what her clients
think about her. You've never heard any complaints. But you haven't
heard many compliments either.
Jim provides you regular updates on key sales and
problems he's solved. He also sends you and your boss copies of positive
feedback from clients. He's volunteers to serve on interdepartmental
committees and is a strong advocate for you and your team.
Which employee would you be more likely to retain?
Even though Sarah might be just as talented or valuable,
you'd probably choose Jim, right?
That's because Jim realizes the importance of self-promotion.
He is constantly looking for ways to increase his visibility at work.
In uncertain times like these, it pays to be proactive.
Companies want to hold on to employees they perceive as being high
achievers who contribute the most to their organizations.
Here are some other ways to enhance your visibility
to influence the perceptions of decision-makers.
1. Take on projects that nobody wants.
Take on a project that no one wants, but is important. This could
be a project that directly impacts the business results, but doesn't
have an easy solution. You'll have a chance to get incredible visibility
if the project is successful. Even if it fails, you will be seen as
someone willing to try.
2. Get on new projects.
Be willing to take on new projects or pilot new ideas. This involves
taking risks because they could fail. However, new projects provide
an opportunity to prove that something can work and thus you get recognition.
3. Make sure to add value to projects.
Look for opportunities to value-add in any project or interactions
that you have. This is about not just doing your job well, but doing
an additional piece that brings you in-contact with other influential
people.
4. Find projects outside your own line of business.
You can get visibility outside of your own organization or group by
finding projects outside your own line of business to work on.
5. Involve your boss's boss.
One of the most effective ways to increase visibility is to have your
boss inform his or her boss about the important things you are working
on, your successes, and the impact you're having in the department.
When your boss shares this information with higher-ups, it creates
a positive perception of you. Others will take notice and realize
what an important commodity you are in the organization
6. Get on high-profile projects.
Involve yourself in high-profile projects so your name comes up frequently
(and positively) in discussions at the top levels of the company.
Getting involved in projects that are being looked at very successfully
can be great for increasing your perception inside the company.
7. Create face time with executives.
Find the executives who have influence in the company and get to the
meetings, conference calls and interactions they are attending. The
more face time you have with executives, the better the chance that
they will get to know you and see your worth and value to the company.
Return
to top
|
