How to Stand Out and Get Promoted: Creating Visibility at Work
I have had the privilege to partner as a coach with some of the most amazing people. They are driven, decisive, and constantly pushing themselves outside their comfort zones. They take risks—not for the sake of recognition, but for growth, success, and learning. Their work ethic and dedication inspire me daily.
But I’ve noticed something that holds many of them back: their incredible sense of humility. They deeply respect those in prestigious positions and value teamwork. As a result, they often step aside in meetings, allowing others to take the lead or speak. They do extraordinary work behind the scenes, yet that work often goes unrecognized.
Unfortunately, this humility, while admirable, can prevent them from receiving promotions. Time and again, they’re told they need to be more visible within their organizations and industries.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? Visibility doesn’t mean changing who you are—it just means ensuring that your contributions are seen and valued. Here’s how you can step into the spotlight in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and natural to you.
Shine Bright with These Visibility Strategies
1. Step Up and Volunteer
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—go after them! Raise your hand for projects that excite you, challenge you, or align with your strengths. Volunteering for tasks that bring teams together or solve problems can show your leadership potential and how much you care about making an impact.
2. Share Your Wins
It can feel uncomfortable to talk about yourself, but sharing your achievements isn’t bragging—it’s building awareness. Keep your manager and team updated on your progress and highlight how your work is moving the needle for the organization. Frame it as, "Here’s what we accomplished and why it matters."
3. Build Genuine Connections
People matter. Take time to connect with colleagues from different teams and levels—not just to network, but to truly understand what they do. Attend events, join company groups, or even just stop for a chat. Strong relationships can amplify your presence and help you grow as a collaborative leader.
4. Speak Up in Meetings
Your voice matters. Whether it’s asking a thoughtful question, sharing a new idea, or adding to a discussion, speaking up shows that you’re engaged and invested. Even if it’s nerve-wracking at first, start small and build your confidence over time—people will notice.
5. Embrace Challenges
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Say yes to assignments that stretch your abilities or push you into new areas. Not only will this build your skills, but it will also show others that you’re ready to tackle tough challenges with confidence.
6. Find Your Champion
A mentor or advocate can make all the difference in your career journey. Look for someone who believes in your potential, offers honest feedback, and can help open doors. Building a strong mentorship relationship is like having a personal cheerleader for your success.
7. Align with the Big Picture
Know what your company values and where it’s heading. When you connect your work to those goals, you’re showing leadership and strategic thinking. Ask yourself, "How does what I’m doing contribute to our mission?" and make that clear to others.
8. Lead with Heart
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action. Take ownership of tasks, support your teammates, and find ways to make a difference. Even small acts of leadership, like mentoring a colleague or organizing a project, can show your readiness to take on more responsibility.
9. Be a Team Player
Success is rarely a solo effort. Be the person who collaborates, lifts others up, and celebrates wins together. When you’re seen as someone who makes the workplace better for everyone, you’ll naturally stand out.
10. Keep Growing
Invest in yourself! Whether it’s through training programs, webinars, books, or courses, continually learning shows that you’re serious about your development. Share what you learn with your team to inspire growth in others, too.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Stay Genuine: Be yourself. When you’re authentic, people connect with you and trust your intentions.
Spread Positivity: A positive, can-do attitude goes a long way in building your reputation.
Ask for Feedback: Growth is a journey, and feedback helps you navigate it. Ask your manager how you can improve or grow into your next role.
Use Your Voice: Whether it’s through company newsletters, internal forums, or team meetings, find ways to share your ideas and insights.
You Deserve to Shine
You don’t need to change who you are to create visibility—you just need to let others see the incredible work you’re already doing. By taking small, consistent steps to connect, contribute, and grow, you’ll position yourself as a valuable and promotable member of your organization. Remember, you’re not just building a career; you’re building a legacy of impact and growth.