Dear Mike:

I’ve been putting in a lot of effort at work lately, often going above and beyond my regular duties.

However, it seems like my boss either doesn’t notice or doesn’t acknowledge my contributions. This lack of recognition is starting to affect my motivation and job satisfaction. I want to feel valued and ensure that my efforts are being noticed. How can I make sure that the work I’m doing is adequately recognized and valued by my boss?

Are there specific strategies or actions I should take to increase my visibility and demonstrate my contributions more effectively?

Thanks,

Franklin

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Hi Franklin,

It can be incredibly frustrating to put in so much effort and feel like your contributions are overlooked. Ensuring your hard work is recognized requires a proactive approach. Start by regularly communicating your achievements. You can do this through weekly email summaries or discussions during one-on-one meetings with your boss. Keeping a detailed record of your projects and results can also be beneficial, as it provides concrete examples to discuss during performance reviews or feedback sessions.

Additionally, seek feedback in a balanced way. You don’t want to come across as someone who needs constant approval. Instead, frame your feedback requests around your development and the impact of your work. For instance, ask for specific insights on a project or suggestions for improvement. This shows that you’re proactive about your growth and genuinely interested in performing at your best, rather than seeking approval.

Volunteering for high-visibility projects or tasks that align with your strengths can also increase your visibility and demonstrate your value to the team. Promoting team success is equally important. Highlighting the achievements of your team shows that you’re a team player and helps create a positive work environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized. Building strong relationships with your boss and colleagues can also open up opportunities for your work to be noticed by a broader audience.

Furthermore, aligning your work with the company’s goals and priorities is crucial. Take the time to understand the company’s strategic objectives and key performance indicators. Ensure that your projects and tasks directly support these goals. When you can demonstrate how your work contributes to the broader success of the company, it’s more likely to be recognized and valued. For example, if the company is focusing on customer satisfaction, highlight how your work has improved client interactions or feedback. If the goal is innovation, showcase your contributions to new projects or process improvements. Aligning your efforts with the company’s objectives not only makes your work more relevant but also positions you as a key player in the organization’s success.

Remember, self-advocacy is key. It’s not about boasting but ensuring that your hard work is visible and valued. Persistence and a proactive approach can often make a significant difference in getting the recognition you deserve.

Hope this helps!

Mike

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TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Do you have a perspective that you can share? Have a career question for Mike? Email him directly at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com