Alright, let’s talk about something crucial for all mid-level project managers: visibility.
We have all been there, that part of your career where much of your foundational requirements have been achieved and you may now be working towards the higher levels of certification, Chartership or even Fellowship. You are diligently building your experience and defining your skillsets, but it can often feel like you are just another unseen cog in the machine, working constantly to keep up, keeping your delivery relevant to your seniors.
You know, you can shout from the rooftops, but at the end of the day, your visibility is only as strong as your results. I’ve seen it time and again in my career. The project managers who truly rise aren’t the loudest; they’re the ones who consistently deliver.
Now, I didn’t just stumbled across this insight. It has been the cornerstone of my career, and one of the reasons that during my corporate career chapters I was able to move through the ranks so quickly and achieve the positions that I wanted.
It boils down to this: Let your results do the talking. And if you can master this, understand it, live and breath it, your too will see your career move faster, and your fuel for growth be exponentially be more efficient.
So here are some practical tips, if you are on your own journey to professional greatness.
Remember you’ve got the experience, you’ve got the know-how. Now it’s about showcasing that impact in a way that resonates.
Here are five ways to build a reputation that lasts, straight from my playbook:
1. Keep a ‘Success File’: Your Personal Vault of Wins
Think of this as your professional treasure chest. Don’t let those positive emails and client kudos disappear into the abyss of your inbox. Create a dedicated folder – digital or physical, whatever works for you. Save that praise. Track your projects diligently, noting the key metrics. Did you bring a project in under budget? Did you exceed the expected timeline? Document it. And don’t forget to highlight those moments where you solved a seemingly impossible problem. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about building a tangible record of your capabilities.
2. Create Data Stories: Turn Numbers into Narratives
Data is your friend, but raw data is just that – raw. You need to weave it into compelling stories. Transform your achievements into measurable impact. Show the “before and after.” Did you streamline a process and save the company thousands? Did you implement a tool that cut project completion time by 20%? Quantify it. Show the tangible benefits of your solutions. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about demonstrating the value you bring.
3. Write Power Updates: Communication That Cuts Through the Noise
Weekly updates are a staple of project management, but are yours truly effective? Don’t just list tasks completed. Highlight key wins and challenges overcome. Use data to illustrate your progress. Keep stakeholders informed, but do it with purpose. Clear, concise, and data-driven updates build confidence and showcase your control over the project.
4. Build Silent Proof: The Undeniable Trail
This is about documenting the less visible aspects of your work. Keep records of verbal agreements. Document process improvements, even the small ones. Create a track record of your contributions, even those that might seem minor. This silent proof builds a solid foundation of credibility. When questions arise, you’ll have the evidence to back you up.
5. Own Your Reviews: Turn Feedback into Fuel
Performance reviews can be daunting, but they’re also a golden opportunity to showcase your impact. Walk in prepared. Bring your success file, your data stories, and your silent proof. Share solutions you’ve led independently. Bring stakeholder feedback to the table. Don’t be afraid to take ownership of your achievements. This isn’t about being arrogant; it’s about being confident and demonstrating your value.
Remember, you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to get noticed. You just need undeniable results. Focus on consistently delivering excellence, and let your work speak for itself.
