How do you accomplish your goals? Do you plan everything out or work with your team to do it?
I know for me and my team, we would put together a plan for the goals. We would start by determining the outcome that we wanted for each goal, break the goal down into smaller milestones, determine resourcing needs, focus on making progress each month, and ultimately reach the goal. I know that sounds like it is so easy to do, but believe me, I know it isn’t always a smooth path to the finish line. I am sure that just like me, you have faced your share of challenges when it comes to accomplishing goals.
What makes the difference between someone who completes their goals while others may fall short? It comes down to not giving up, staying focused, and taking action on a consistent basis. What can you do each day to make progress to reach the next milestone? What can you do to take a small step forward? If you are stuck, can you look at it from a different perspective or ask someone for help which may give you a new idea or path forward? Part of the leadership growth process is to find a way forward even when you encounter the unexpected.
Now let’s apply that same concept to your visibility. If you are looking for additional opportunities, then you will need to focus on your visibility as a goal too. Do you have a visibility plan with a clear outcome that you are trying to accomplish? Are you taking actions every day that show others what you can do? Are you asking for help from others who can help you?
I met with a team at a company a few weeks ago and presented on the topic of visibility. I shared some research on how promotion decisions are made. The group didn’t know that 74% of promotions happen because the potential candidate is in front of the decision maker and sees them consistently talking about what they are doing and demonstrating their capabilities. It wasn’t something that they had considered before. They were just working really hard and hoping that someone would notice and give them opportunities. Now they know how to show up differently and take what we discussed to be more visible.
What if you combined the work that you are doing for your goals and your visibility?
Showing up in a bigger way should not be seen as more work for you. It is just a part of what you do throughout your day. Here is a list of ideas to choose from:
- Ask a question in a meeting or follow up on someone else’s question
- Share a fact about what you or your team is working on with a group or your manager
- Set up a time with someone in the organization and talk about your career or a project you and your team are delivering
- Give someone else visibility for what they are doing which encourages them to do the same for you
Take the time to plan and be strategic with the conversations and the work that you do so they can see you. You will move your goals forward and your visibility will increase at the same time!