The visible man
FROM BEING a teacher's pet in school to Mr. Popular in college and now the favourite management trainee-- some people really know what it takes to be in the limelight. They may not share their secret, but guess what? There is nothing hush-hush about it. Individuals who are in the spotlight are most certainly the ones who are seen and heard the most.
You too must have come across some prima donnas- colleagues who are willing to climb over anyone just to be seen by the boss. Now as long as they are talented, people tolerate them, but what if they are pushy without much potential? Show-offs, especially those without talent are, sooner or later, shown out! However, the only thing that you cannot take away from these individuals is that they know the success mantra- `being visible is being successful'. In today's corporate world people who are seen and heard are more likely to move ahead than those who remain unseen and unheard. But of course, it does not take a genius to know that.
However, there is a difference between people who make themselves visible for the right reasons and those who would do anything to draw attention. Some individuals crave attention so much that they cross the thin line that separates them from being visible and being arrogant. While a certain degree of self-promotion and self-esteem is natural and is essential for success, an overblown ego can be destructive and worst still, offend co-workers and subordinates. In short, there is a difference between being visible and being unbearably in-your-face! So how can you be visible without being called an egomaniac? The key lies in being visible for all the right reasons.
The visibility strategy
If you aim to reach the top, you definitely can do better with outlining your very own visibility strategy. The first step is deciding the image you would like to portray to the world. Ask yourself, "How do I want to be perceived by my colleagues and subordinates?" "When I send out a letter or memorandum, deliver a speech or conduct a meeting what do I want the receiver to think about me?" and "Is the image I portray helping me communicate and excel at work?" Answers to these questions will help list out the things and traits to help build an image that gets noticed for the right reasons.
Having decided on how and what you want to be seen as, make this image apparent in everything you do. Your letters, the clothes you wear, your work relationships- the whole lot should reflect your image. By focusing on yourself in this manner you will notice a pleasant change in the way you perform your job. For starters you will be more imaginative and effective.
Cash in on opportunities
Stage two of the visibility strategy is about finding the perfect platforms to show yourself. Meetings are often overlooked as ideal opportunities for increasing visibility, simply because there are so many of them. However, meetings are considered an excellent display place. Since talking during formal events is entirely different from private conversation, a person must prepare for what he wants to say. You will not stand out if you do not know what you want to say and more importantly how you want to say it.
Spend time learning how to speak effectively. A fact that should encourage beginners is that they are no born speakers!
Remember, not everyone can conduct a meeting. It takes a certain amount of leadership and organisation skills to run meetings, give presentations and talk at seminars. Speaking at these events requires preparation, tact and oratory skills. Not to say that people who fumble and ramble at these events go unnoticed, but to stand out for the right reasons, you should be remembered as someone well informed, well prepared and speaks well. A visibility strategy can help you do just that.
Well chiselled
Being visible also means continually improving your visibility techniques. This makes refinement an essential part of the visibility strategy. Soon after a meeting or presentation ask yourself, "How did I perform?" "Was my presentation well-planned and well-received?" "Did it enhance my image?" "Had the CEO been there, what would he have thought about my presentation?" or "Did I exhibit authority and control in an appealing way?" Answers would chart the path to improvement. For instance, if you find that there were too many questions at the end of the presentation it could mean that you need to be more detailed.
You can make yourself visible even when you are not conducting a meeting or making a presentation. Asking smart, meaningful questions and actively participating in post-presentation discussions can improve your visibility even when you are not the speaker at the event. With such involvement people will perceive you as a keen listener, an enthusiastic participant and a noteworthy contributor. Better still, they will miss you at the next event!
High visibility is not the bastion of CEOs and top executives alone. All those aspiring to make it to the top rungs of the corporate ladder should give their shot at becoming visible for the right reasons.
KIRTANA VIRK
faqs@cnkonline.com
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