Here's how you can become a recognized and visible leader as a mid-career professional.

Para se tornar um líder reconhecido e visível como um profissional no meio da carreira, é importante cultivar habilidades e comportamentos que demonstrem lideran?a e destaquem sua presen?a no ambiente profissional, como por exemplo: Assuma responsabilidades adicionais a sua área, compartilhe seu conhecimento, construa relacionamentos significativos, seja proativo, desenvolva habilidades interpessoais e busque o conhecimento de forma continua. Ao aplicar essas estratégias e comportamentos, você pode aumentar sua presen?a como um líder reconhecido e respeitado no meio da carreira, estabelecendo uma base sólida para o crescimento profissional contínuo.

Yes. Becoming an invisible leader is made my making your knowledge solid but also by continuing to expand that knowledge, taking criticism and improving yourself. I’ve asked my managers and leads for feedback on my work performance and what I can improve on. This exposed my weaknesses and I worked on turning my weaknesses into strengths. I also lead by example, I do the job according to department policies, company policies, and to federal, state and local laws. By doing those things, you’ll stand out.

Becoming recognized as a visible leader involves upscaling your knowledge and skills. This can be achieved by obtaining an advanced degree, taking courses through professional associations, and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn that offer certifications. As your expertise deepens, remain open and accessible to colleagues, peers, and industry contacts. This approach builds strong professional relationships and also ensures you are discoverable and top of mind when opportunities arise. Actively engage in networking events, conferences, and online forums to share your insights and learn from others. By combining deep expertise with a genuine, approachable presence, you position yourself as a trusted and visible leader in your profession.

360 networking is critical. For a leader, it is important to have a strong all round network to learn from and support. This is both internally within the org and externally

Develop an "intentional" networking plan. Offer to mentor junior professionals and seek mentorship from seasoned experts. Relationships flourish when you offer your expertise, show genuine interest in their work and challenges, and follow up on previous conversations. Stay in touch every 1-3 months by sharing your thoughts on an article or piece of information relevant to your contacts. Aim to make one new contact each month through LinkedIn, meetings, conferences, or coursework. Diversify your network to include individuals from various industries and backgrounds. Write articles, blog posts, or even start a podcast related to your field. Sharing your knowledge publicly can attract new connections and establish you as a thought leader.

Public Speaking: Look for opportunities to speak at industry events, conferences, and webinars. Prepare thoroughly to deliver impactful presentations. Writing Articles: Contribute to industry journals, blogs, and magazines. Write about your expertise, experiences, and insights to establish yourself as a thought leader. Industry Discussions: Engage in online forums, social media platforms, and professional groups. Share your knowledge and participate in debates to build your presence. Becoming a recognized and visible leader as a mid-career professional involves actively seeking opportunities to share your insights, building a strong personal brand, continuously enhancing skills, and demonstrating integrity and empathy.

I am known to advocate for employees and for speaking up against something that is wrong. This has also made me highly respected by my managers and they told me that they highly value my opinion.

Organize events, webinars, or meet-ups to bring together professionals in your network. This not only strengthens your existing relationships but also positions you as a connector in your industry. Reach out to industry leaders for informational interviews. This not only expands your network but also provides valuable insights and guidance for your career. Volunteer for projects or initiatives within your community. Volunteering can help build new connections and demonstrate your skills and commitment. Write articles, blog posts, or even start a podcast related to your field. Sharing your knowledge publicly can attract new connections and establish you as a thought leader.

One year, I made a New Year's resolution to say "yes" to every opportunity that crossed my desk / landed in my Inbox. To say that it was a very busy year would be an understatement, but it was also a year in which I learned an incredible amount. In other words, I would suggest going beyond "taking the initiative" and actively volunteer - and also tell others you are looking for ways to manage, strategize, and deliver (no matter what the topic).

Mentoring is a great way to grow as a leader! It not only helps others, it helps self as it ensures we are continuously learning. Mentors challenge our knowledge and skill and we need to be up to speed to support them.

Honestly, I use to mentor others but that is something I no longer do. Nowadays you have co-workers who ask you to mentor them, then they turn you into managers attempting to get you into trouble and once they start, they do not stop. Only mentor those who have earned your trust and prove they want your mentorship.

Remember, your brand is less about what you say about yourself, and it's more about what others say about you. Their personal endorsements will go much further than you promoting yourself. When it comes to your personal brand there are 3 key elements: your technical skills, your personality traits, and your transferable skills. Make sure that you have a balance of all three to remain competitive in the marketplace. Most professionals (especially high level ones with years of experience) focus heavily on promoting their technical skills while underestimating the power of their personality traits or transferable skills.

Your unique executive presence is key for building and sustaining your personal brand. How you show up authentically, exuding confidence, sets the tone for you want to be perceived as a leader. Identify your personal values, eliminate limiting thoughts, focus on where you shine the most, and ask for feedback/support to build your confidence as a leader. Demonstrating confidence and improving your personal brand is just as important (if not more) as obtaining job-related skills when working your way to leadership.

One important thing about branding yourself is your reputation during your employment with employers. Managers, supervisors, they remember if you were the one who was personally attacking others because you decided that person is a threat, if you spread rumors, if you created a hostile and intimidating working environment, if you slept around with everyone at work. If you keep your business clean, meaning your brand which is you, meaning you worry about you. You continue to be the best employee you can, continue to improve, be honest, and have integrity. Do not date at work, and remember, people at work are not your friends. Keep your personal life out of your work life.

Know who you are, who you aspire to be, and why. It keeps you grounded while guiding your communications and actions. As a few have shared, your personal brand is how others describe you. It's beautiful that each of us own and influence our narrative.