Recently, Elon Musk issued a directive to federal employees emphasizing the necessity of self-promotion in the workplace. This directive, which came in the wake of comments from former President Trump about federal spending, highlights a critical aspect of career advancement: making your achievements visible to superiors. Musk's message was clear: if you want to keep your job, you must show your work.
The concept can be likened to the philosophical question: if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? A parallel can be drawn in the workplace; if you complete an important task without your boss being aware, did it even happen? Unfortunately, the answer is often no. As Musk pointed out in a recent email, employees are now required to report five accomplishments from the previous week to their managers. Failure to comply could be interpreted as a resignation.
Career experts have weighed in on Musk's approach, describing it as a form of fear-based management. While blunt, it underscores a fundamental truth: employers want to know what their employees are accomplishing. Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of the forthcoming book Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge, states, "Your work can’t speak for itself." In today's climate, where layoffs are prevalent in tech and other industries, making your contributions visible is more crucial than ever.
With the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements, many employers are increasingly relying on employee surveillance tools to monitor productivity. The balance of power in the workplace has reverted to employers, making it essential for employees to actively manage their visibility. Mary Abbajay, president of Careerstone Group and author of Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss, emphasizes that bosses often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it difficult for them to track every employee's contributions.
Many employees, particularly women, often feel uneasy about self-promotion. Abbajay reminds them that discussing their accomplishments is a sign of confidence, not arrogance. "When we talk about our wins at work, we are stating facts," she explains. Sharing specific achievements, such as completing a project ahead of schedule or under budget, is a straightforward way to communicate value.
If you've recently achieved a significant milestone at work, consider sending an email to your boss or mentioning it during a meeting. Wilding advises starting regular check-ins by recapping your accomplishments since your last meeting. It's essential to articulate not just what you've done but also the impact of your work—whether it increased efficiency, saved time, or reduced costs.
Think of this as a means of keeping your manager informed so they can advocate for you and your team within the organization. For example, discussing a project milestone can also serve as a teaching moment for your colleagues. Demonstrating your higher-level thinking can significantly aid in your career progression, going beyond just meeting KPIs.
Consider establishing a routine of updating your boss about your weekly goals and accomplishments. Sending a brief email on Mondays to outline your priorities and another on Fridays to recap your achievements can help maintain visibility. Wilding suggests preemptively stating that no response is necessary, allowing your boss to manage their workload effectively.
Some professionals have even experimented with creating newsletters to showcase team accomplishments over a month or quarter. This strategy can broaden your audience to include cross-functional partners or upper management, increasing your visibility across the organization.
Keeping your digital calendar current with your ongoing projects is another effective strategy. This transparency allows your boss to see what you're working on at a glance. You might also engage your boss with a question about a project, even if you don't require an answer, to gently remind them of your responsibilities.
Your method of showcasing your work should also align with your boss's management style. A micromanager may expect detailed weekly updates, while a more hands-off leader might prefer you to take the initiative in highlighting your accomplishments.
While self-promotion can feel uncomfortable, it is a critical component of professional growth. Abbajay stresses that it is your responsibility to ensure that others recognize your success and achievements. "If you don’t tell them, who will?" she asks, underscoring the importance of making your contributions known in the workplace.
