Are you getting recognized for the work you are doing?
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Have you ever worked really hard on something and not received the recognition you felt you were entitled? Do you feel you keep getting overlooked by management?
This happens frequently in the corporate world and it can make employees very unhappy. It’s a shame that companies don’t recognize this as one of the key reasons talent leaves their firms.
What can you do if you are the employee who feels you’re not getting recognized. Here are a few suggestions:
Work Hard - Most people say you can’t just work hard to be successful. I disagree. Hard workers are the most valuable employees. They may keep their heads down and work, but they get shit done! Keep doing the best job you can! You will get noticed by the right people. Even if you feel you’re not being recognized, you are. The right people will notice.
Use your voice - Sometimes hard workers are too busy to promote what they are doing. Make the time to let management know what are you doing and tell them you want to be included in the meetings that allow you to present the work you have done.
Meet with senior management - If your manager isn’t giving you the opportunity, you can set up you own meetings with senior management. You do not have to tip toe around your manager. Hierarchical structures do not mean you can’t meet with the boss’ boss! Do your thing and set up that meeting.
Get a mentor - It really helps to talk to someone in the company who isn’t your manager or has control over your work. They can give you real constructive feedback that your manager may not be giving to you. Sometimes you need someone to tell you the real reason you are not being promoted or why you are not being given those high profile projects.
It can be very challenging when you don’t feel you are getting recognized for the work you are doing. Maybe you think you boss doesn’t like you and you don’t know where to turn. Companies have HR departments, but they are not always the right place for employees to go for guidance on their careers.
I had a challenging experience many years ago and I went to HR. It didn’t go well at all and my manager found out about the issue. I would recommend for people who are dealing with an issue and you are not sure where to go to, reach out to your company’s Employee Assistance Program. You can have real confidential conversations with people who can help you with the challenges you may have.
With my situation, I actually hired an Executive Coach. It really helped me to find someone who wasn’t attached to the company who I could speak with through the issues. Coaches don’t give you the answers, but they do guide you to find the answers you are looking for and help you create a plan forward.
Don’t stay in a position where you are not recognized for the work you are doing. If you really feel unhappy, it may be time to look for another position either within the company or outside. It doesn’t help anyone to have an unhappy employee.
Here’s to your success!
Best,
Rene