Influential Leader — Visibility is a key ingredient!
Each time I talk to my mentees about Leadership visibility, I am met by awkward expressions and evident dislike at the mere mention of the word ‘visibility’. I then go further to ask, ‘What is your definition of visibility?’. I receive a variety of responses which range from exuberant displays of ego to the negative perception of an extreme need for recognition. This is of course not completely true. I define visibility as simply gaining the attention of those who matter to your journey. This can be customers, industry thought leaders or future organisations you may want to be affiliated with. The world of online provides us with the ability of not only being visible locally, but globally as well. This is the ability to use your voice and increase your value by merely communicating your abilities effectively. I ask my mentees, if you do not share about who you are and what you do, how do you expect to be recognised for the value you bring?
A report by Oliver Wyman’s: Women in Leadership Report 2021 explores pertinent questions about the visibility of women and frames the following questions:
- Why do women get stuck in the middle?
- Why do they not rise to the top?
- What are the attitudes and obstacles — both those that are visible as well as the invisible ones ?
The profound findings will shock you and, hopefully, will give some food for thought to my mentees. The first and primary finding is that women are simply not top of mind. You may wonder what top of mind means and I can offer you a few suggestions. It means that they are not seen as raising their hands indicating readiness for the next challenge or level. Women are less likely to self advocate and this can take many forms, least of which is the exuberant show off.
When women shy away from visibility, they risk being seen as unwilling to take on more intense roles. Add to this the difficulty of showing up powerfully in those few moments of meetings where they are often talked over. On top of this, add the complexity of a world of hybrid work, where it will be that much more difficult to remain visible.
Fast forward to Senior Leadership, visibility is not only for your personal benefit but subordinates often want to see the visibility and the presence of their leader. They develop much respect and appreciation for the influence the leader commands amongst peers as well as.
Visibility can take a number of forms and does not need to be overwhelming:
- You could write and share insights about what you do. You will be surprised by how many people have an interest in understanding other areas outside of their functional areas. This also places you as top of mind when people want to know something within your area of expertise;
- You could also join special interest organizations at work or external. These are good platforms for networking and building on your profile as well as content.
- You can open yourself up to speaking opportunities around your area of expertise.
- If forums for what you have a passion for do not already exist, you could also create a new one. You could start with a small audience of folks you know, build some confidence, and work your way to bigger rooms.
- Open the door for feedback
When people see what you are trying to do, they are often happy to support your effort and even suggest other options. It’s about giving life to what you are doing so that it can be known, be visible and position you better.
What is important to understand is:
- Who your target is and to have a strategy for reaching them. Each target audience will indicate the type of platform you use to reach that audience.
- Also important is to review the impact of each strategy you have deployed
- Ask for help
- Leverage others. Look at people that already own platforms and networks that you see as your target audience.
- Observe how others are doing it. Books are also amazing resources. Mentors are also a great resource for helping to support you as you embark on this journey.
Carol Sanka, Author of the book: The confidence factor, even goes a more extreme route and says you must become your own marketing team. Show off your accomplishments and highlight your brilliance.
