When I was in school and got high grades, I didn't necessarily feel the need to tell my parents. High grades were expected, so it wouldn't have surprised them. However, when I got a "7" for the first time, the emotional pressure was so high that I quickly decided to share the news not just with my friends, but with my parents as well.
Years later, when I started working, I noticed a similar pattern. Even though it was rare for me to tell my parents about the exciting projects I was involved in, I always kept them up to date with role changes in my career. Later, I realized that talking about what I do helped me tremendously in building self-confidence, earning appreciation from my colleagues, and gaining recognition from my managers.
With the rise of social media, making our work visible has become much simpler—attending conferences, receiving awards, or wrapping up projects. Even for the most timid among us, there are often colleagues or friends who make sure to post those "moments of glory" when appropriate.
But what can you actively do to become more visible?
Here is a reflection exercise inspired by marketing, adapted for your personal brand. Imagine that you are a "Product" and analyze the following angles:
1. Product
Think about your skills and qualities: which ones best recommend you? What are the top three qualities that those around you recognize in you? What makes you indispensable to your department or company?
2. Place
Where is the most appropriate setting to talk about your achievements? What space would make you feel most comfortable and natural sharing results from a project you're proud of, or a new idea that would streamline your team's work?
3. Price
What effort do you need to put into making your work visible? What resources do you need so others find out about the great things you do professionally? Who could support you in this effort?
4. Promotion
Besides your close colleagues, who else should know about your achievements to consider you for a potential promotion, a development program, or a salary raise? What other channels can you use besides direct conversations with your manager?
5. People
How can your community help you? Family, friends, or mentors can serve as an excellent support system to help you achieve your professional goals and give you courage when you hesitate to step into the spotlight.
6. Process
What processes should you adjust so you rely on fewer resources in the future while maintaining your visibility? It could be a periodic update or a simpler way of reporting your progress.
7. Physical Evidence
Create a "joy portfolio." A folder where you collect positive feedback, thank-you emails, awards, and concrete results as they come in. It will be your best ally during your annual evaluation when you want to prepare a raise request or even for a future interview. You'll thank yourself later!
Being visible isn't about bragging pointlessly, it's about giving others the opportunity to see the true value you bring every single day.
When was the last time you shared an achievement with your colleagues or manager?