I feel like I'm doing great work, but my boss doesn't seem to notice. How do I get them to see my value? It's not enough to just deliver value; you have to make sure it is seen, measured, and has an impact. One key strategy is to proactively document your achievements. Don't just list what you produced, but also what that production did for the business's bottom line. For example, show how a new process you created reduced costs or increased efficiency. This turns your work into undeniable proof of your worth.

What if my job doesn't directly impact the company's bottom line? How do I show my worth then? You need to find a way to connect your work to the company's goals, even indirectly. A great way to start is by having a conversation with your manager. Ask them what you need to show them to be considered for a raise and agree on a timeline to revisit the discussion. Then, make sure to document your progress and exceed the expectations that were set. Look for opportunities to create standard operating procedures or improve processes, which demonstrates initiative and makes the entire team more efficient. This shows that your contributions go beyond your daily tasks.

I’m great at my job, but I’m worried that’s not enough to get ahead. What else should I be doing? Hard work alone does not get you paid. Visibility and relationships are what get you paid. While doing your job excellently is the baseline, you must learn how to play the game by building influence and allies in the workplace. Be relatable and coachable, and actively build relationships with key decision-makers. It’s often the people who advocate for you in rooms you’re not in who make the difference.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/mmifPVdIs7s
and read more in THE ASCENT | 026.