I Do Great Work. Why Can't They See Me?
I Do Great Work. Why Can’t They See Me?
Visibility ≠ Volume — but Leadership Requires Voice
“I wasn’t selected for a management position because I’m not visible or influential in meetings—even though I always deliver my work on time. I feel disheartened. Do we really need to be loud to be effective?”
This anonymous question landed in my inbox recently—and I paused. Because it’s not just a question. It’s a reflection. A reality check. And honestly, a heartbreak shared by so many high-performing individuals.
If you’ve ever asked yourself that same question… you're not alone.
Why Doesn’t Great Work Speak for Itself?
You’re dependable. You get things done on time. You take pride in execution. So why doesn’t leadership come knocking?
Here’s the honest answer:
Great work is necessary—but not sufficient—to move into leadership.
If leadership is about guiding and influencing others, people need to see that influence in action.
The problem?
If you're always the quiet one in the room—your impact will not be visible, even if it's substantial.
Leadership Is Communication
When we promote someone into a management role, we’re not just looking at whether they can do the work. We’re evaluating whether they can:
Communicate across functions
Represent their team’s needs
Anticipate problems before they escalate
Influence decisions without always being the decision-maker
That’s hard to demonstrate if you stay silent in meetings or avoid cross-team visibility.
In short:
📣 Leadership is as much about communicating impact as it is about creating it.
What Happens When You’re Not Seen
Let’s play out what this can look like:
🔸 Your team’s accomplishment gets shared by someone else.
🔸 You executed a project brilliantly, but no one connected it to you.
🔸 Your silence in meetings is interpreted as disinterest—even when you're just being thoughtful.
🔸 You’re excluded from strategic opportunities because you're not "on the radar."
It’s not fair.
But it is preventable.
Visibility Isn’t Bragging
Let’s pause and clear up a common myth:
🛑 Visibility ≠ Bragging
🟢 Visibility = Clarity + Relevance + Timing
Being visible isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about:
Framing your work in outcomes: Instead of “We finished the API,” say, “This integration reduced manual work by 40%.”
Speaking up with purpose: Even a comment like “Here’s what I’m hearing…” can show leadership thinking.
Asking thoughtful questions: It shows you're listening, processing, and contributing to bigger-picture success.
Leadership Moments Are Often Small
One of my favorite visuals on this topic is the one I recently created titled “The Promotion Radar.”
It’s a reminder: you may be doing amazing work. But others can’t amplify or sponsor what they don’t know exists.
Small Shifts You Can Make Today
You don’t need to change your personality. You just need to show your impact with intention.
Here’s how:
🟣 Before a meeting – Jot down one key insight or update you can share.
🟢 During a discussion – Ask one question that connects your team’s work to the broader goal.
🟠 After a project – Share outcomes with context: the why, not just the what.
Over time, these small moments build trust, credibility, and yes—visibility.
If You Feel Invisible Right Now…
Let me leave you with this thought:
You don’t have to be loud.
But if you want to lead, you do have to be heard.
Leadership isn’t about ego or volume.
It’s about clarity. Communication. And the courage to use your voice—even when it’s quiet.
🎯 Start small. Be intentional. Your voice matters more than you think.
Reflect & Act
Where in your day do you already contribute—but stay silent?
What’s one way you can show the value of your work this week?
Is there someone on your team who needs help being seen? Could you advocate for them?
📆 Note: I’ll be taking a social break in July to reflect, recharge, and come back with fresh insights.
See you in August—with more musings, cartoons, and practical tips for everyday leadership.
Until then, lead with care.
