Increase Your Job Security by Increasing Your Visibility

Clients often ask me, "Why should I increase my visibility? Why can't I let my work speak for itself?" My traditional response has always been, "You can't assume decision-makers are aware of your accomplishments. How can you expect to get ahead if you're not noticed?" In light of today's difficult economy, my response has changed. I now advise clients: "How do you expect to keep your job if you're not noticed?" As more and more companies resort to layoffs, now is not the time to hide your light under a basket. Enhancing your visibility is more important than ever! There are many ways to increase your visibility and let your boss and upper management know about your accomplishments. A one-paragraph, timely email simply stating the facts (in a non-boastful way) can speak volumes. Better yet, ask a client to pass along the good news when you've solved a problem or provided excellent customer service. And, whenever possible, use "we," "our team" or "our group" instead of "I," when talking about your triumphs. This week, I encourage you to try to find one, just one, opportunity to promote yourself at work. You'll find it's not as difficult, or demeaning, as you think. This may require taking risks. But, frankly, doing nothing to promote your visibility in these uncertain times may be the greatest risk of all. 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 organizatio 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.

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