How to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret in Your Workplace

I raised my hand and said “I’ll go," as troubles were brewing in another plant. “I’d love to see if I could help out."

While I was satisfied with my work as an Operational Excellences expert, I knew I had more to offer and wanted to ultimately get a regional role. Volunteering to travel to another facility was the first step in moving my career forward with this company. Having been a high performer without the support of my manager to help move me forward, I knew I had to do something and STOP being the best kept secret in my workplace.?

If you've ever hoped to get recognized and promoted only to see others pass you by, you know what I mean. We are brought into organizations to learn and provide value. Sometimes when we do our job well, our managers have peace of mind and don’t seek to create waves and move us along. In my story, I ultimately achieved a Regional Operational Excellence role, but not without honing a process that helped me to move forward. I am pleased to distill the framework for you.

The formula for being Seen, Heard & Respected

• Start by asking yourself, are you willing to go outside your comfort zone?

It could be you that is holding yourself back and being the “best kept secret." Maybe you are comfortable and that’s okay. But maybe you're itching to get ahead, but never had the framework to start moving you from being a secret and putting yourself out there.

• Know what you’re known for and be able to articulate your value

Know what you’re passionate about and merge what you are good into what you’re passionate about.

• ?Keep an open dialog with your boss.

Let them know you’re interested in doing more and seek guidance with good people to connect with and have 1-2-1’s.You don’t want to do this behind their back. For some, they may see this as a threat depending on their mindset. You want to assure them, you will continue to do the work and meet their needs first.

• Create a development plan for you to do some work in other areas a few hours a week
• Cultivate those relationships and meet with them periodically.

Ask what challenges are in their areas. How can you help? Ask to share your work with other teams to spark ideas on how they can leverage your skills and add to what they are doing. Invite your boss and make sure they have a chance to shine or have a piece of the recognition.

I hope you found these tips helpful and encourage you to write down your own plan and see if it makes sense for you. Then take one action a week to move the plan forward. Always keep moving forward!?

As I finish this article for you, just know I see you in front of me, seeking guidance to help you with your career. Just yesterday I met someone new and I hope in our 30 minute conversation I was able to change the trajectory of that talented individual.?

Building new skills takes practice and I want to be there for you. We cover this framework in our Drop In C-Suite Academy which is still accepting students for enrollment. If you would prefer a 1-2-1 approach, I can also offer my coaching services.?

For more information about The Drop In C-Suite Academy (CS)? dedicated to the aspiring C-Suite leader, simply register to get on the waitlist, email me or connect with me for a quick chat. I can’t wait to help you be successful and reach your goals!

For more resources, you can listen to The Drop In CEO Podcast or check out my book The CEO’s Compass will help you get on track in days not months.?

Resources

Good Reads

You Can't Google It!: The Compelling Case for Cross-Generational Conversation by Phyllis Weiss Haserot - I am grateful to know Phyllis after being a guest on her podcast soon to be released as well as having her on mine. Her work is around helping the generations to better understand, communicate? and collaborate. I finally finished his read while on vacation last week and it gives me hope that we will all be moving forward together vs. at odds with each other. Check out her work and connect with her. She’d love to hear from you.?

Good Music

Heroic Opportunities by Soundcritters - this piece is so motivating as you venture into new tasks or initiatives; consider this song to get you in the right frame of mind. My copy writer and brand amplifier Amanda Lund waits patiently for me to write my weekly post. Having inspirational music quickly gets you focused and back on track! Enjoy!

Good Advice

“If you've never taken the time to have a conversation with an individual and understand the deepest gifts they have to bring, then who are we to judge them as being difficult?”

-Deb Coviello

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