In 2017 through 2018, I posted and shared one short informational and inspirational video per week. This was, once again, to be more visible and to demonstrate I had a voice, and my intention was to give value.
LinkedIn reached out to me and said I had been named in the Top 25 voices for LinkedIn for Australia in 2018. I admit, I had to check if the email was spam or a scam, but it turned out to be legitimate.
These are just two examples of how amplifying your three core essences will lead to being seen as reputable, credible, and knowledgeable. It can be surprising what can impact how others perceive you and your impact. Take Joseph as an example:
Project Manager Joseph hates being on camera when the project team meets. Joseph also wants to be promoted, but he’s been overlooked twice now. Joseph and I, while undertaking a DISC debrief also looked at his visibility, voice, and value. While the link to being on camera and being promoted might seem like a stretch when Joseph determined to get specific feedback on why he’s missing promotions, each leader he spoke with made reference to his (in)visibility. Here’s one comment Joseph received:
“Joseph, I never see you. If I’m to consider you for promotion, then I need to see you and your performance. I need you to be the first person I think of. I know you’re a solid employee, but how do I know where you excel when you stay hidden?”
Knowing what to work on can be challenging and overwhelming, which could cause paralysis from analysis.
One way to explore what to focus on would be to reflect on
- What fears come up more often than anything else?
- What seems to trigger any sense of being out of control?
- Where and when does it feel as though there’s not enough?
Below the Line
When it comes to understanding this deeper, consider if you relate to any of these or if you’ve received feedback similar to these:
Invisible, Absent, Hidden, Withdrawn, Diffident: Avoids meetings, networking, camera off, mute on, reserved. When called upon, there’s hesitation.
Ignorant: Can tend to push opinions or is unwilling to hear alternative views. Might tend toward over-talking, drawing out the point; conversely, rarely offers input or waits to be called upon to contribute. Has a fixed mindset, believing the current status quo is as far as you can go.
Insufficient: Playing small due to feeling inadequate or ill-equipped. Imposter syndrome plays a significant part in keeping you passive.
Above the Line
With ongoing development, such as emotional intelligence, motivation and understanding motivators, and self-efficacy, managing up above the line will look, feel, and sound invincible, intelligent, and influential. Do you relate to any of these?
Invincible: Able to handle a range of situations – resilient and confident. Be seen as comfortable connecting with people and showing up consistently.
Intelligent: Confidently contributes expertise and is able to handle tough questions, comfortable with saying you don’t know. Can remain poised during challenging times, which includes asking questions, being curious, and being willing and excited to learn.
Influential: People see you as an expert leader; they seek you out and rely on you as an adviser. You operate with purpose and clarity.
What Would Help You Manage Up?
Managing up is a journey – it’s like a marathon, definitely not a sprint. In high school, I ran cross-country; I loved this race, as I could settle into a pace, a cadence, that my body could manage and sustain. Actions and excelling in managing up is about lifelong development and finding your personal development cadence.
Like running, you need to have a process; you don’t simply get off the couch one day and run a full 26.2-mile marathon. You need to train, and that means having specific areas to focus on. Being in your best position to manage up successfully means focusing on specific areas so that you are confident and influential when handling those more senior to you.
You might consider the following areas to help you manage up effectively.
Visibility
What would help you be more visible?
- Networking
- Having a mentor
- Being more present amongst your team, within the organization
Voice
What would help you be heard and more confident to speak up?
- Undertake self-awareness training
- Read more – leaders are readers!
- Adopt a beginner’s mind: Despite knowing, adopt a curious mind so as to see situations from different perspectives; ask questions.
Value
What would help you to demonstrate your value more?
- Develop strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Build your confidence
- Undertake interpersonal communication skills training
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it gives you a place to start and consider.
What would you do first?
