The Risk of Invisibility in Corporate Reorganizations

By Shivangi Walke
Published on August 5, 2024

In today’s edition of ReThink, I dive into a question that resonates deeply in the tumultuous currents of today’s corporate world: In the face of frequent reorganizations, is it safer to remain under the radar?

This question came up in a recent Listen and Learn session I conducted for pharma leaders. At first glance, blending into the background might seem like the prudent choice in an environment where change is the only constant. However, the current corporate landscape, particularly within the healthcare sector, suggests otherwise. Let's dive into why choosing invisibility might be the riskiest move in today's dynamic environment.

The Misconceived Safety of Invisibility

The instinct to avoid notice, to blend seamlessly into the backdrop of corporate structures, might appear to be a safe harbor in times of change. However, this approach overlooks a critical reality: in an environment where excellence is expected, and innovation is the currency of growth, invisibility can be your greatest adversary.

TARA, my remarkable coachee whose initial strategy in navigating corporate landscapes was to “just put her head down and work.” She believed that her dedication and hard work alone would be enough to propel her career forward.

Her work was impactful, but her voice, her vision, and her leadership potential were all but invisible to key decision-makers.

The realization came during a period of significant reorganization within her company. Tara witnessed peers, who were no less dedicated but more visibly engaged in leadership and cross-departmental initiatives, being considered for roles and projects that she had aspired to. It dawned on her that visibility was not merely about recognition but about actively participating in the narrative and direction of her career and the organization.

🛠️ Your Toolkit for Visibility and Leadership

Three Techniques for Growth:

Strategic Self-Promotion: Begin by identifying key projects or initiatives where your contribution can significantly impact. Craft narratives around these contributions that highlight your unique skills and the value you bring to the organization. Separate what 'anyone' in that job might do, from what it is 'uniquely' that you did.

Constructive Visibility: Seek opportunities for visibility that align with your professional values and goals. This could mean volunteering for events, participating in cross-functional teams, or leading workshops and seminars that showcase your expertise. For introverts, it's about leveraging your strengths through micro-contributions, small yet impactful actions that enhance visibility while staying true to your nature.

Feedback Loop: Actively seek feedback from peers, supervisors, and mentors. Use this feedback not just as a tool for improvement but also as a way to gauge how your contributions are perceived and where you can increase your visibility.

Two Skills to Cultivate:

  1. Effective Communication: Develop your ability to communicate clearly and compellingly in various settings – from meetings and presentations to informal conversations. Tailor your message to your audience to ensure it resonates and reinforces your presence.

  2. Networking and Relationship Building: Focus on building a robust professional network both within and outside your organization. Genuine relationships can act as a catalyst for opportunities.

One Actionable Challenge:

  • The Visibility Project: Over the next month, undertake one project or initiative that significantly increases your visibility within the organization or industry. This could be writing an article for a company newsletter, proposing an innovative project, facilitating an event, or leading a team initiative.

Visibility in the workplace is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about being a voice that matters – one that contributes meaningfully to conversations and decisions. Let this toolkit be your guide as you navigate your path to visibility, leveraging your unique strengths and insights to make a lasting impact.

Ready to elevate your visibility and impact? Let's chat. Book me for a strategic consultation.

Until next time, remember: Invisibility may seem safe, but visibility is powerful.

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