How visible are you to senior leaders?
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A director once said in a succession planning meeting “What do I know this person for? Nothing! So why would I want them higher in my structure?”
What you often don’t realise is that many senior managers are always on the hunt for talented individuals. Knowing who the good people in the organisation are, and trying to attract them onto your projects or teams, means the difference between success and failure.
Unlike more junior managers rightly trying to prove themselves, senior managers recognise that they need to accomplish far more than they can do by themselves. They are often not afraid of clever, feisty individuals who are going to shine and who will impress others on their behalf.
So what can you do to help build your visibility to the senior leaders in your organsiation this week?
Look for a chance today to tell someone how you’re contributing to the business – and don’t just tell them you’re “busy”!
What you often don’t realise is that many senior managers are always on the hunt for talented individuals. Knowing who the good people in the organisation are, and trying to attract them onto your projects or teams, means the difference between success and failure.
Unlike more junior managers rightly trying to prove themselves, senior managers recognise that they need to accomplish far more than they can do by themselves. They are often not afraid of clever, feisty individuals who are going to shine and who will impress others on their behalf.
So what can you do to help build your visibility to the senior leaders in your organsiation this week?
- Be ready to talk about what you’re working on. When asked, too many people are not ready to talk about themselves and their work. When a senior leader asks you how you are doing, they are not asking you if you are “fine” or “busy”. They are trying to find out about you, the work you’re doing and the contribution you are making.
Always have to mind information about the projects you’re working on at the moment, why they are important, some of the successes you are having, the challenges the work is throwing up and what you are doing to address them. “I’m really busy, we’re close to delivering X project two weeks ahead of schedule and under budget” takes about 5 seconds longer than “I’m busy” – but the difference in impact is enormous. - Maintain enthusiasm. Senior leaders are often much happier when they are working around enthusiastic, engaged people rather than angry people who constantly complain! Clearly you don’t need to be a Duracell Bunny, but a colleague with a positive attitude makes it easier to be successful.
- Understand their priorities and align yourself. The easiest way to gain interest from a senior leader is to show how your work aligns to their priorities and agenda. It also engenders trust from them, as they see that you are on their side. Take time to understand what they are trying to achieve and how you can help that to happen.
- Bear good news. If you’re constantly bringing bad news, every time they see you or your name they will have a negative association. You need to be able to bring bad news constructively and correctly, but when there is something good to report, make sure that you are equally quick to bring that to their attention too.
- Be active in meetings. This is not just about spouting for that sake of it. Be helpful in setting up the room, making sure you’re prepared for the meeting, make sure you ask some questions or offer to do some of the follow up actions, talk about some of the positive things that have some out of the meeting. This will all be seen as a positive contribution.
- Volunteer. We’ve blogged on this before but you can have a hugely positive impact by putting yourself forward to help with projects, setting up social events, road shows, or learning bites.
Look for a chance today to tell someone how you’re contributing to the business – and don’t just tell them you’re “busy”!