With competition for senior HR roles hotting up, Andrew Morris, Director, Robert Half Hong Kong offers guidance on how to stand out from the crowd and increase your visibility.
Stand out from the crowd
Being invisible at work can be both demoralising and infuriating. Whether you have been overlooked for a promotion or are avoided when deadlines are tight, invisibility in the workplace will have a negative impact on your future career. It is important to build your value and distinguish yourself amongst your peers to better your chances of promotion or identify yourself as a leader.
#1 Highlight your efforts
You may feel that you are not being rewarded for the work that you are doing, however this may be poor public relations on your part. Make sure that your boss is aware of the projects that you are working on and the appraisal that you have received by scheduling weekly meetings with him to discuss you recent activities. Prepare a key assignment report that clearly showcases the work that you are putting in so ensure that your boss is aware of your activity.
#2 Don't be a wallflower
Prior to meetings, review the agenda and establish where you can provide input on the topics at hand. Be sure to voice you opinions at meetings and highlight that you have done the preliminary research. Should an opportunity arise to present your ideas or offer a department overview, ensure that you highlight your desire to assist in any way possible.
#3 Know your weaknesses–and strengths
Before putting yourself up for a promotion, be aware of your professional abilities. Although it is important to strive to achieve, you must also address any weaknesses that you feel may affect your promotion. Volunteer to help with activities you feel you may be affecting your chance of promotion, whether it is organizational skills, public speaking or time management. This will show your colleagues that you are willing to address your weaknesses and improve your skills.
#4 Show initiative
Taking on tasks outside your primary duties, especially those that no one else seems to want, is a good way to increase your visibility. Participating in these initiatives is an excellent way to build name recognition throughout the company and expand your base of internal contacts.
#5 Cut costs
Highlight your interest in the company and the company’s success by offering cost cutting measures that would be beneficial to your company. Write a brief memo containing your idea and an overview of how you’d implement it to present to your manager.
#6 Look at the bigger picture
If you have made some poor choices or you lack professionalism, you will be affecting your positive visibility. Remember to stay in the light for the right reasons, rather than the wrong ones and work towards creating a positive and professional reputation in the office.
With the right approach you will be able to build your professional profile and visibility, be aware that this will not happen overnight but with the correct steps, you will improve your office standing and become a much stronger candidate for a promotion.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
