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From Hidden Gem to Workplace Star: Making Your Mark in Your Organization
11th September 2023 • The Introverted Executive • Tami North
00:00:00 00:20:23

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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 standing in a huge crowd and being drowned out by all the people around you.

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.

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Transcripts

Ok, let’s dive right in… I have some real talk for you today. You know those moments at work when you feel like you're just blending into the wallpaper? Like you're this hidden gem, but no one seems to have the map to find you? Yeah, I've been there, and trust me, so many of the amazing people I talk to feel the same way.

Every time one of you shares your story with me, I'm always thinking, 'Wow, if only more people knew just how awesome they are.' You’ve got all this amazing talent, all these ideas, but sometimes it feels like you're whispering in a super noisy room.

Today, I’m going to deep-dive into this topic. Not just about getting noticed at work, but really about celebrating all the cool things that make you, well, 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 own kind of magic.

So, if you've ever felt like you’re playing small, then grab a coffee or a cup of tea, and let's chat. Because you, my friend, are meant for bigger and brighter things. And I’m right here, cheering you on every step of the way.

MY STORY

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

• Enlisted days as a system technical

• Later a defense acquisition expert

• Directly responsible for the systems (CNSP)

• Back to acquisition, leading the modern version of the program I used to be a technician for in my younger days

• Back to an organization that expanded my knowledge, but where there was an abundance of people who understood training, and even a good amount who understood manpower and manning, but actually a very small number who understood the entire spectrum of responsibility of the organization, along with my exquisite technical knowledge and acquisition knowledge, mixed with my pure passion to make sure the Fleet had what they need….

I always tried to find a way to get to yes, 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 people had exquisite expertise in some way, but tried too hard to stay in their box, to not ruffle feathers. I only ruffled feathers in the name of helping to fix something that was wrong.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

There are many reasons why it is important 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 don't know much 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 key player in the organization.

• Your ideas are ignored. If you share your ideas and no one takes notice, 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.

SOLUTIONS

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 up-to-date on the latest trends and developments, and sharing your knowledge with others.

• 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 areas of the business. It also shows that you're willing to go outside of your comfort zone and work with others.

• 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 are to be heard.

• Be a mentor or sponsor. Helping others is a great way to build relationships and make a positive impact on the organization. When you mentor or sponsor someone, you're demonstrating your leadership skills and commitment to the company.

• 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. When you take on challenging projects and deliver results, people will start to take notice of your abilities.

• 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 episode this week and begin to implement them. For example, volunteer for a CFT, or ask someone more junior if they would like a mentor, or identify your top 3 strengths and then brainstorm ways that you might be able to use them more robustly in your current organization. I have a fairly robust activity I take my clients through to really get after this in my executive coaching program – it is eye opening when they realize all they have to offer, yet that 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. There are many people who are willing to help you succeed, so don't be afraid to reach out.

• Be patient. It takes time to build a reputation and become known in a large organization. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight.

I hope these tips help you on your journey to becoming known in a large organization. You’ve got this!

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

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

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