The Jacket Trick vs. The Last Light: A Case Study in Workplace Perception

Let’s talk about perception versus reality in the workplace.

One of my mentees recently shared a fascinating corporate drama - one that plays out in countless offices worldwide. Two employees, two very different strategies for being "seen." Guess who got promoted?

The Jacket Strategist

Employee #1, let’s call her Lisa, was a whirlwind of energy. She was always in motion, her voice echoing through the office corridors. If someone needed a comment, she had one. If a meeting needed enthusiasm, she provided it. And yet, when it came to actual work output, she was a master illusionist.

Her most infamous trick? Leaving her jacket on the back of her chair. It gave the impression she was always around, always grinding. In reality, Lisa was often out - networking, socializing, or simply "stepping out for a moment" that lasted hours. Her presence was an illusion, a carefully orchestrated act designed to make people think she was always on top of things.

And it worked. For a while.

The Last Light Closer

Employee #2, let’s call him Daniel, played a different game. He wasn’t loud. He didn’t make grand gestures. What he did do was ensure he was the last person in the office. If work needed to be done, he did it. If a colleague needed help, he stayed. And, in the end, he made sure he was the one who turned off the lights.

It wasn’t just about staying late. It was about commitment, consistency, and making himself indispensable in quiet but impactful ways. He didn’t just put in hours - he made those hours count. His work spoke for itself, even when he didn’t.

The Promotion Decision

When it came time for a promotion, Lisa was convinced she had it in the bag. After all, she was "everywhere" - or at least that’s how it seemed. She was the first to shout ideas in meetings, the one always "seen" hustling between desks, the energy in the room.

But leadership wasn’t fooled. They looked at real output, not theater. And when they did, Daniel’s contributions stood tall.

So, who got the promotion? Daniel. And Lisa? She was baffled, perhaps even resentful, but ultimately, she had played the wrong game.

The Moral of the Story

• Visibility is not enough. Noise without substance will eventually be exposed.
• Perception can work in the short term, but results win in the long term. If all you offer is a jacket on a chair, don’t be surprised when leadership sees right through it.
• Hard work still matters, but smart work wins. Daniel didn’t just stay late - he made an impact while he was there.
• Leadership is watching the right things. They may smile at the energy and the noise, but when decisions are made, they go beyond the surface.

What Should You Do?

Are you the "Jacket Strategist" - making a lot of noise but delivering little? Or are you the "Last Light Closer" - quietly building real value?

If you want to move up, focus on work that matters. Make yourself indispensable. Deliver results, not just impressions.

And if you need help figuring out how - well, that’s what great mentors are for.

Drop a comment: Have you seen a "Lisa" or a "Daniel" in your workplace? What was the outcome?