Leveraging Visibility for Increased Value and Inclusivity in Organisations

by Sarah Green, Director of Pyramid Coaching & Consulting

In today's fast-paced business world, organisations are constantly searching for innovative ways to elevate their value and impact while maintaining a balanced workload for their employees. An often overlooked but potent strategy to achieve this is leveraging visibility. In a recent webinar we had, titled "From Invisible to Invaluable: How to 10x your value, without 10x your workload," Sarah Green, the host speaker, passionately discussed how organisations and individuals can enhance their worth through increased visibility.

This blog post delves into the key takeaways from the event, exploring the significance of visibility for individuals and teams, challenges faced by underrepresented groups, practical tips for amplifying visibility, and the pivotal role of leadership in fostering an inclusive and high-value workplace.

The Power of Visibility

Sarah Green emphasised the crucial role visibility plays in the workplace, particularly for individuals seeking career growth and recognition. Visibility is not merely about the quantity of work but also the quality of impact one makes. Ensuring the right people recognise and appreciate an individual's value to the organisation can lead to well-deserved promotions, recognition, and career advancement.

Visibility for Underrepresented Groups

Another key highlight of the event was the importance of creating visibility opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, such as women and people of different orientations or backgrounds. By proactively addressing the issue of underrepresentation, organisations can foster a diverse and inclusive environment that fuels innovation and collaboration. Sarah stressed that representation in leadership positions is vital to reflect the diversity of society.

Overcoming Challenges and Barriers

Sarah Green delved into the challenges faced by individuals striving to enhance their value through visibility. Conventional hiring practices might unintentionally hinder certain groups from showcasing their skills and talents. However, armed with knowledge and awareness, individuals can overcome these obstacles and create opportunities for themselves and their teams.

Leveraging Visibility: Success Stories

The event featured inspiring success stories of individuals who skilfully leveraged visibility to achieve their goals. For instance, Indra Nooyi, the first immigrant woman of colour to head a Fortune 500 company - PepsiCo, stood out by engaging in various activities beyond her professional realm, such as playing in a rock band and pursuing higher studies in America. Similarly, Steven Bartlett, a successful entrepreneur, effectively used social media to amplify his visibility, gaining recognition and accolades in his field.

Value of Diversity in Leadership

The event underscored the critical role of diversity in leadership positions and its positive impact on an organisation's bottom line. Hiring individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences enhances workplace dynamics, fosters creativity, and yields improved financial outcomes. Addressing unconscious biases and actively embracing diversity and inclusivity were highlighted as essential steps for organizations to take.

Practical Tips for Increased Visibility

Sarah Green shared valuable tips to navigate challenges and boost visibility effectively.

1. Turn your camera on during video calls. This allows people to see you and get to know you better. It also helps to build rapport and trust.
2. Ask questions verbally during video calls. This shows that you are engaged and interested in the conversation. It also allows you to clarify anything that you don't understand.
3. Attend in-person events, networking events, and seminars. This is a great way to meet new people and make connections. It also allows you to learn about new opportunities and trends.
4. Make yourself known to someone who can be a mentor for you. A mentor can provide you with guidance and support as you develop your career. They can also help you to network and get your foot in the door with new opportunities.
5. Give recognition to others. This is a great way to build relationships and show your appreciation for others. It also makes you more likely to be recognized yourself.
6. Be a radiator of positive energy. This means being someone who is upbeat, friendly, and supportive. People are drawn to positive people, so this will help you to build relationships and get noticed.
7. Challenge yourself to take on something more difficult. This is a great way to learn and grow. It also shows that you are ambitious and willing to take on new challenges.
8. Apply for jobs that are a little bit above your comfort zone. This is a great way to stretch yourself and reach your full potential. It also shows that you are confident in your abilities.
9. Believe in yourself and put yourself forward for opportunities. Don't sell yourself short. If you think you can do something, go for it!
10. Don't stand in your own way. Don't let fear or self-doubt hold you back. Believe in yourself and go for what you want.

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Visibility

The event also presented best practices for leaders and managers to create an environment where employees can shine based on their merits and strengths, ensuring recognition for their contributions. An illuminating example was shared of an organisation hosting weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, where employees presented their skills and interests to the team, fostering open conversations and mutual learning.

Conclusion

The event, "From Invisible to Invaluable: How to 10x your value, without 10x your workload," offered valuable insights into the power of visibility to unlock career opportunities, promote inclusivity, and drive business growth. By leveraging visibility strategically, organizations can enhance their worth without overwhelming their workforce. Embracing diversity, tackling unconscious biases, and providing platforms for underrepresented individuals are key steps to create an environment where every employee's value is recognized and celebrated. As leaders actively promote and support visibility, they nurture a motivated and high-performing workforce, poised for success in a rapidly evolving business landscape. In conclusion, the event reinforced the transformative potential of visibility in transforming organizational culture and maximizing individual and team contributions. If you are interested in watching the recording, click here for access.

Further Reading Suggestions:

Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg

Invisible Women – Caroline Criado Perez

Empowering Yourself: The Organisational Game Revealed – Harvey J Coleman

The Go-Giver: Bob Burg and John David Mann

Losing My Virginity: Richard Branson