by Naike Moshi
In today’s competitive corporate world, being good at your job isn’t enough. Women often lose out on opportunities because key stakeholders are unaware of the work they do, even though they are star performers and work very hard.
Here are 5 visibility mistakes women make and how to solve them:
Mistake 1
Not showing up, speak up or stand out
Not showing up for opportunities that showcase your abilities or expertise is the last thing on your mind. When it comes to speaking during meetings, you are the last one to leave the meeting room without speaking a word. You even comfort yourself by saying that everyone has spoken and share their views which were always similar to yours.
Simple Solution: Speak up in meetings. Take time to ask questions and present a topic within your area of expertise/strength. Show you are the expert.
Mistake 2
You are waiting for someone else to endorse and recommend you for opportunities
You say this to yourself, “my work will speak for itself, they will see me and recognize my efforts and impact.”
Simple Solution: Keep track of your value stories and accomplishments. Talk about them. No one is going to speak about your accomplishments except yourself.
Mistake 3
You get passed over for promotions again and again
Many times you have been passed over for promotions. Your organization has advertised jobs internally and you know that you are qualified for them, but unfortunately, the selection panelists/hiring managers don’t even know anything about you.
Simple solution: Share your value and become a performer. Ask for assignments or work outside of your current position. Ask for feedback and ways of improving yourself and the organization. Go above and beyond in your current position and move out of your comfort zone as nothing ever grows there.
Mistake 4
You are not social
You tend to be anti-social and not wanting the company of others. You are always shying away from networking events. You stand behind and don’t want to make yourself seen. You are just an observer.
Simple solution: Look for ways to engage people whether online or offline. Take time to build your network, a community and relationships.
Mistake 5
Fear is controlling you
Many times, fear holds women back to perform at the best of their abilities. It holds many women back to speak, to be seen and be heard.
Simple solution: Gather your courage. The courage to start being visible will open up opportunities for you.
These visibility mistakes are the most common that women make in the workplace. So learn from us and try to avoid them!
Which of these visibility mistakes have you made, and which would be the easiest or the hardest for you to correct?
Naike Moshi is the Country director of CVPeople Tanzania and founder & CEO of Women in Management Africa (WIMA). She is an MBA graduate and holds a dual degree in Human Resource and Business Management from Tennessee Wesleyan University in USA. She started her professional career in a US Tax Consulting firm and has enjoyed challenging, diverse assignments in the management consultancy industry. Contact Naike via Naike Moshi | LinkedIn
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