Noticed and Rewarded—Get Yours

Q. I’ve got a good boss, and she tells me I’m doing a good job, but she seems to notice and recognize other people in the department more often then me. They get the better assignments and team projects. It looks to me like they talk themselves up a lot, and that bothers me. Am I missing out because I don’t do it too? —Veronica T.

A. Could be. Try to determine if the people who are talking up themselves and their projects are stretching the truth or making up for a lack in their performance. If it’s “No” to both of these, they’re probably just being street-smart by promoting themselves and making sure they get noticed. Within reason, it’s important to let your light shine.

There are only so many promotional or “cushy job” opportunities available, and they usually go to those who merit them—often to those who market themselves effectively. And given the competitive environment in almost every organization, you’ll probably improve your chances for getting noticed if you help make it happen. Some techniques:

Let Your Light Shine

Be proud of your work. Do it so well that you'll be proud to sign your name to it--take credit for it. (When the great sculptor Michelangelo discovered that the townspeople were giving credit to another artist for his unsigned Pieta, he sneaked back to the town square at night and chiseled into the beautiful piece, "Ego Michelangelo Buonarroti Fecit": "I Michelangelo Buonarroti made this.") Put your name on whatever you can--reports, committee minutes, proposals, and correspondence--when you're involved. When you're part of a task force, let other people—especially your boss—know your role in the project.

You'll rarely get noticed just sitting in your office, quietly doing your own work. Without jeopardizing your work goals, get yourself on committees or task forces. Give your boss a constant stream of ideas that will solve her problems. Talk to her about your ideas, or send her memos--whichever she prefers. Keep her informed about what you're doing. And do your best—more than just what’s expected.

Help Others to Look Good

Start with your boss and fellow employees. Look for ways to praise them openly and honestly in front of others. Support them. Accept the differences in peoples' habits, values, and work styles. As long as they do their jobs, and do their best, recognize their efforts. People perform better when they feel good about themselves. People like to be around other people who make them feel good about themselves. Meet the deadlines your boss and others expect of you--to show them you're someone they can depend on.

Gain Acceptance of Your Associates

To move up, you usually need the political support of those you work with. This doesn't mean trying to be popular with everyone, but being respected for your accomplishments and the way you handle people. You must be clearly perceived a leader--someone people normally turn to for direction and ideas when they want to accomplish something.

Know When to Speak...and When Not To

There are times to speak up and express your viewpoint and times to be quiet. When your boss's body language or words tells you, "This is how I want it," then do it, with enthusiasm. (If you think it's a mistake, say something like, "How would you feel about doing it this way:____. It has several advantages." If it's accepted, fine. If not, then give the boss full support.

Build Support From Your People

People who work for you must really support you. And when they do, it’ll get back to your boss. (The word will get back even faster if they don’t support you.) Praise people honestly and frequently. When you have to, gently ask for a change in their behavior. But don't overlook their errors for the sake of your popularity. If you let people fail, they'll eventually find out, and lose respect for you. Then you'll fail too.

Be a Problem-Solver

Look for better ways to solve problems. In most jobs, you're not paid to be there when things are going right. You're paid to handle things when they go wrong. Develop good problem-solving skills and put them to good use--often--and in a way that'll let your boss, and others, see your good work.

Turn Your Boss Into Your Sponsor

Sit down with your boss and find out what he expects of you and develop ways to meet those expectations. Do more than he expects. He must see you as practically indispensable. You’ll make your boss's job easier by looking for ways to provide extra help when it’s needed. You’ll find yourself moved closer to the top of his “Valuable People” list when you do this. That means you’ve been noticed. The rewards will come more often, too.