From Hidden Gem to Workplace Star: Making Your Mark in Your Organization

Does the Senior Leadership Know Your Name?

Do you know those moments at work when you feel like blending into the wallpaper? You're this hidden gem, but no one has the map to find you. Yeah, I've been there, and trust me, so many of the fantastic people I talk to feel the same way.  

Whenever someone like you shares their story with me, I always think, 'Wow, if only more people knew just how awesome they are.' You’ve got all these amazing talents and ideas, but sometimes it feels like you're whispering in a crowded football stadium.

Today, I’m going to dive deep into this topic. It's not just about getting noticed at work but about celebrating all the cool things that make you YOU. Remember, it's not always about the big office or the fancy title. It's about making waves, leaving your mark, and creating your unique magic.

So, if you've ever felt like you’re playing small, grab a coffee or a cup of tea, and let's chat. Because you, my friend, are meant for a more expansive career and life. It is possible!

How Did I Become Known?

I became “known” for my focus on our customers and deep technical and system focus. This didn’t happen overnight…  

• I spent ten years as an Enlisted Sailor, working as a systems technician
• Later, I became a defense acquisition expert.
• I had opportunities to work at organizations where I was directly responsible for the manpower, training, and sustainment of the systems.
• When working at an organization leading Defense Acquisition efforts, I was directly responsible for developing the modern version of the program I was a technician for in my younger days.
• Eventually, I had the opportunity to work at an organization that greatly expanded my knowledge, but where there was an abundance of people who understood the training and even a good amount who understood manpower and manning, but a minimal number who understood the entire spectrum of taking a new technical requirement for a capability and transforming it into a powerful system out in an operational environment.
• Still.. I always remembered what it was like to be a young Enlisted person or a young Naval Officer who didn’t have the network or understanding of budgets, programs, available support, and how it all came together.  
• Some people cared about the Fleet without my expertise, and some had exquisite expertise without understanding what it was like to be a Sailor. 

Some people cared about the Fleet without my expertise, and some had exquisite expertise without understanding what it was like to be a Sailor. I used my combination of experiences and went ALL IN and became known for making sure our customers (the Sailors) have what they need to conduct their missions, in a MAJOR WAY.

Does it Matter if You are Known at Work?

For many reasons, it is essential to become "known" for something in a large organization. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• It can help you get ahead. When you are known for your skills and expertise, you are more likely to be promoted and given more opportunities.
• It can help you build relationships. When people know you and what you do, they are more likely to want to work with you. This can lead to new opportunities and collaborations.
• It can give you a voice. When you are known, you have a platform to share your ideas and insights. This can help you make a difference in the organization and the world.
• It can make you more marketable. If you are known for your skills and expertise, you will be more attractive to other organizations. This can give you more options and opportunities in your career.
• It can boost your confidence. When you are known for something, it can give you a sense of accomplishment and confidence. This can help you succeed in your career and in life.

Of course, there are also some challenges to becoming known in a large organization. It can take time and effort to build a reputation. You may also need to overcome the challenges of being an introvert in a corporate setting. But if you are willing to put in the work, becoming known for something can be a valuable asset to your career.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE NOT KNOWN?

There are a few signs that you may not be known in a large organization:

• People don't know your name. This is the most obvious sign. If people don't know your name, they probably know little about you or your work.
• You're not invited to meetings or events. If you're not invited to important meetings or events, it's a sign that people don't see you as a critical player in the organization.
• Your ideas are ignored. If you share your ideas and no one notices, it's a sign that people don't value your contributions.
• You're not considered for promotions or new opportunities. If you're not being considered for promotions or new opportunities, it's a sign that people don't see you as a high-potential employee.
• You feel like an outsider. If you feel like you don't belong in the organization, it's a sign that you're not known or connected to the people there.

Here are some specific things you can do to become known in a large organization:

• Find your niche and become an expert. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Focus on developing your skills and knowledge in this area, and become known as the go-to person for that topic. This could involve writing articles, speaking at conferences, or volunteering to lead projects. This also means staying current on the latest trends and developments and sharing knowledge.
• Get involved in projects that are visible to senior leaders. This could involve volunteering for stretch assignments or leading cross-functional teams. This is a great way to meet people from other departments and learn about different business areas. It also shows that you can work with others outside your comfort zone.
• Network with people in your field. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people you admire—network with people in your field. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to people you admire. The more people you know, the more likely you will be heard.
• Be a mentor or sponsor. Helping others is a great way to build relationships and positively impact the organization. You demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to the company when you mentor or sponsor someone.

• Be visible and accessible. Make sure people know who you are and what you do. Don't be afraid to speak up in meetings or share your ideas. The more visible you are, the more likely people are to know who you are and what you do.
• Volunteer for stretch assignments. This is a great way to get noticed by senior leaders. People will notice your abilities when you take on challenging projects and deliver results.
• Be confident. Believe in yourself and your abilities. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will.
• Be positive and enthusiastic. People are drawn to those who are positive and passionate about their work.

If you can do these things, you will be well on your way to becoming known in a large organization.

ACTIVITY

Choose 2-3 ideas from this article and begin to implement them. For example, volunteer for a Cross-Organizational Team, ask someone more junior if they would like a mentor, or identify your top three strengths and then brainstorm ways that you might be able to use them more robustly in your current organization.  I have a robust activity I take my clients through to get after this in my executive coaching program – it is eye-opening when they realize all they have to offer, yet they have been holding back in many ways that they weren’t aware of.  

CONCLUSION

It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming known in a large organization. The most important thing is to be yourself and to focus on doing great work. If you do that, people will notice you.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful for introverted women:

• Find a mentor or sponsor who can help you navigate the organization and advocate for you.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Many people will help you succeed, so don't hesitate to reach out.
• Be patient. Building a reputation and becoming known in a large organization takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.

I hope these tips help you to become known in a large organization. You’ve got this!

I hope this conversation today sheds some light into those hidden corners so that you spend less time feeling unseen at work. 

Remember: you are an absolute rockstar, even if the spotlight hasn't found you yet. Just keep going; it will work.

Keep shining and being your fabulous self; trust me, the right people will notice. And if they don't? Well, you’ve got me and the entire community right here that sees and celebrates you.

So, until the next episode, take good care of yourself. Stay radiant, stay bold, and always know I’ll be here, cheering you on! 

Podcast Shownotes

This topic is not just about getting noticed at work but about celebrating all the cool things that make you YOU. Remember, it's not about the position, the title, or the benefits. It's about making waves, leaving your mark, and creating your personal brand of magic.

If you want to be alerted when my executive coaching program opens to take in new clients again, subscribe to the "Rise and Shine" Newsletter, where you will also get weekly accountability, activities, tips, and tricks to continue to rise in your organization.  If you have any questions or want to connect, email me at [email protected].

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