What do you do if your expertise and knowledge aren't being recognized by your team and organization?

The days of being passive are totally gone. If you have expertise and knowledge you need too take responsibility for how the outside world sees you. Write articles about it (your blog or LinkedIn articles), create content on social that showcases your expertise, join conversations where that subject matter is being discussed, request recommendations from your colleagues/clients who have acknowledged your good work. While it is great for team morale to be acknowledged there is no point holding a vigil while waiting for it to happen!

Facing lack of recognition of our extensive digital expertise, we doubled down on what we do best: learning and sharing. Our "Monday Masterclass" showcases our team's AI skills, where the team realised each-other's capacities and knowledge. This was a huge confidence booster. Team members regularly attended workshops and events, where we keep leading, as it's the only way to stay current with this skillset. Everyone also made sure to take notes and share with each other what they have learned in the events they attended. Our aim is to show that expertise isn't just what you have, but also how you share it within and beyond your company.

Look for opportunities to share with various groups and teams in your organisation, even if you have to ask. Sometimes people may not know what you have to offer. Always speak up in a meeting to make your voice heard/build your profile and make sure your contribution adds value to the meeting while also showcasing your experience and expertise. Share in a way that the audience will understand - speak to them in their language so they understand the benefit for them.

Failure for your skills and expertise to be recognized is detrimental to one career if not well managed. This being an external factor (not intrinsically effected), means you must adopt situational management tactics to stay afloat from the defamatory effects. I do recommend to colleagues and friends who are caught in such a quagmire, to: 1. Built a routine that is embedded in personal and career goals. It will keep you motivated, without seeking external motivation to drive and work towards your goals. 2. Discuss with your team and seniors how you feel about the situation. This vulnerability will spur a humane connection with open feedback, and perhaps, suck you out of the quagmire. 3. In whichever case/circumstances, be professional.

Knowing your strengths will help you maintain your confidence and composure under this kind of pressure. Always accept positive criticism when it's given.

When you know your strengths you can use that as the basis for tooting your own horn. Be upfront in offering advice and information that highlight your accomplishments.

Find an ally within the organization and outside of it that can amplify the message. I find that if your background, experience and expertise that got you hired in the first place somehow gets forgotten or overlooked, you need other voices in the mix reminding what a pro you are.

Whether you’re an employee, or have escaped corporate life to go it alone, you need a ‘tribe’ of like-minded people around you. These should be people who share your values and understand your challenges, but who probably work in a different discipline to you: they will give you the best 360 degree perspective.

If your expertise aren’t being recognized by your organization or team then ask yourself “why”? Be honest with yourself, remind yourself of your own strengths and ask what do I need to do to strengthen my position. Often it comes down to a simple….show your value, not loudly but confidently. Continue to learn. Do not let your position become all consuming. Consider your communication skills, can they be better, are you mindful of how you communicate? Do you need to specify to yourself the value you bring?

Collaborative endeavors will underline your knowledge. So look for opportunities to not just help with advice but work in tandem with others in your team or organization