Is contribution alone enough?
I'd grown up with a strong belief: roll up your sleeves and get things done. Prove yourself through action. Deliver results. Walk the talk.
It didn’t only make sense to me, it also suited my personality. Hiding behind work and deliverables felt safer than talking about my contributions. It took me a while to understand that this isn’t enough.
Doing great work is your foundation and your performance builds credibility. Opportunities, however, need visibility. Leaders can’t reward what they don’t clearly see, especially in complex, fast moving organizations.
Whereas I’m no longer part of the corporate world, I notice that many people underestimate this piece. They work hard, meet deadlines, go the extra mile. But they aren’t seen.
Organizations should create fair and transparent systems. Yet, you have more influence than you think. Don’t wait to be discovered, act instead.
Here are a few ideas to get started, whatever your personality:
Discuss your ambitions and expectations openly with your manager. Ask directly: What would I need to demonstrate to be considered ready for the next level?
When you share updates, speak about impact. What changed because of your work? What risk was reduced? What value was created?
Ask for specific feedback, not only from your manager but also from peers and stakeholders.
Keep a simple impact file to capture projects, results, feedback, numbers and lessons learned throughout the year. Don’t rely on your memory at performance review time.
Build relationships across functions. Visibility is often created laterally before it shows up vertically.
Look for a mentor or sponsor who understands how decisions are made.
Ask to join strategic meetings when your work is being discussed.
If you’re considering a specific role, approach the person who holds it and ask what experience would prepare you.
Volunteer for opportunities that broaden your business understanding, for example taking part in a customer event even if you work in a back office.
Schedule a coffee or lunch with people outside your immediate work environment once in a while.
If you believe your work should speak for itself, pause and ask yourself where that belief comes from and whether it still serves you.
Self advocacy isn’t about bragging. It’s about helping others understand the value you create.
What has helped you create visibility without compromising who you are?
#CareerDevelopment #LeadershipGrowth #SelfAdvocacy #ExecutivePresence #ProfessionalGrowth
Hi, I'm Yvonne 👋
I support experienced professionals in making meaningful career choices and navigating growth, transitions, and leadership challenges.
If you’d like a thoughtful space to reflect, gain clarity, and shape what comes next, you can learn more about my coaching approach here.
