In the workplace, everyone wants to get noticed for maybe, their intellectual, the skills, or even being an excellent problem-solver.

Being noticed helps an individual in developing their career and succeeding in it, and also it helps in self-growth.

According to Mindtools an online page, when people know who you are and what you can do, they’re more likely to consider you for promotions or interesting assignments. And those who keep their head down often miss out, despite their hard work. 

You can’t always rely on others, such as your boss, to increase your visibility for you. Instead, you need to figure out how to maximise your exposure so that you’ll be "in the running” for opportunities when they arise. This is especially important if you work remotely and don’t often see others in your organisation.

Adia Uwimbabazi a writer for a digital reading application says that getting noticed at work, is giving visibility to your skills, ideas, and voice.

"There are times you might feel that the work you do also needs recognition or you want also to be assigned tasks daily and be trusted by your employers, getting noticed at work is proving that you are there for a reason,” she says.

She adds that no one wants to sit in the office and be a wallflower because that will also create a comfort zone. Getting noticed at work opens doors to success and it is only done by the individual, no one can make a person noticed but them,” she says.

Vivace Muhirwa who works at Oxfam Rwanda, a British-based organisation focusing on poverty alleviation, agrees that getting noticed at work requires effort and dedication. 

"The effort is about doing your job, and not sitting around hoping the tasks will deliver themselves. Push enough to deliver well at work or work hard as an employee and the goal should be about how consistent and dedicated you are for your personal growth, the growth of the company, and also what you are doing to chase opportunities,” he says.

Suzan M. Barber a leadership coach and counsellor says that visibility at work will let people know who you are, which is important, especially in larger organisations where there are many team members that are not known to senior management, they are known to their team members, and manager, but that is it.

How to make yourself more visible

According to Diane Ineza who works as a customer service agent, getting noticed also goes with reputation.

"Your reputation also matters at work, who you are, what image you portray can make you noticed at work. Be timely in the delivery of your tasks, respect deadlines and also communicate when there are possible delays ahead of time. Be confident when sharing your ideas or suggestions, don’t feel shy, speak up whenever you feel you have something to share because it might be a helpful point,” she says.

According to Medium, an American online publishing platform, here are a few things to do to get noticed:

Volunteer

Be the first to volunteer, even if the job doesn’t seem glamorous. The jobs no one wants can be the most beneficial because it shows you aren’t above helping. Volunteering introduces you to new people and helps you look like a team player.

Take on new projects

Don’t be scared to take on projects outside your comfort zone. Try to say yes more than you say no. When a new opportunity comes along, take it and hit the ground running. Your enthusiasm and boldness won’t go unnoticed. Pitching your own projects can even take it one step further.

Get talking

Don’t be afraid to speak up. You’re never going to get noticed if you sit in the back and don’t make your voice heard. Ask questions in meetings, start discussions, and ask for feedback. Share ideas on the organiSation’s internal collaboration system and join existing conversations.