Demonstrate Your Value

Show Your Value to Your Boss

You work hard. You get things done. You lead your team and you get results. But does your boss know it? Your boss is constantly bombarded with information and organizational noise. So you have to be heard. It's not enough to just be good at your job; you also need to show your value. You have to communicate your progress, innovation, decisiveness, and results. When you do this well, you become indispensable to your organization. You won't just keep your job, you'll advance your career.

The Power of Communication

Extolling your success isn’t about prideful behavior. It is about closing the loop between what your boss expects of you and what you accomplish. Many of your accomplishments are out of view. If your boss has assigned you a task or created an expectation of you, it is your responsibility to inform them of the successful completion of what was assigned. It's about clear, honest communication. Your boss is busy. They manage a lot of people and projects. They don't always see the great things you do. It's your job to make it easy for them. You must provide them with data that demonstrates your performance. When you make your wins visible, you help your boss understand the impact you have. You also build a strong case for your future.

Start with emails. They're a simple tool, but they're powerful. Instead of just replying "ok" to a request, add a quick status update. For example, "I finished the Q3 report. I'll send it out this afternoon. I'm also now shifting my focus to the new marketing plan." Taking small opportunities to update your boss shows you're on top of your work and thinking ahead. Providing information about your progress is not prideful boasting; it is informing your boss of the completed task. Of course, there is a fine line. Stick to the details of the work completed without self-aggrandizing your efforts. Let your results speak for your value.

One-on-One Summits: Your Moment to Shine

One-on-one meetings are your best chance to show your value and review your progress. Don't wait for your boss to ask what you've done. Come prepared. Create a short list of your key accomplishments since your last meeting. Talk about the progress you made on projects, how you handled a challenging situation, or a new idea you implemented.

Focus on results, not just tasks. Instead of saying, "I wrote the report," say, "The report I wrote helped us identify a new market opportunity. We're now exploring it, and I believe it will add ten percent to our sales this quarter." Demonstrate your strategic thinking and a focus on the company's long-term vision. It's not just a report; it's a tool for growth. You are giving your boss the necessary data to (1) determine if their expectations were met, and (2) judge your value to the organization. Both components are part of what is expected of all leaders in terms of their employees. You are simply helping them complete that role.

Team Meetings: Lead with Confidence

Team meetings are another great place to show leadership. When you present an update, don't just state facts. Explain the why behind your work. Talk about the decisions you made and the challenges you overcame. Demonstrate your decisiveness. When a problem comes up, offer a clear solution. Say, "We have a problem with our supply chain. I think the best solution is to switch to a new vendor. I've already researched three options and am ready to present them to the team." Initiative and a calm, confident approach to problem-solving are appreciated.

Beyond the Meeting

Your work should speak for itself, but you can help your boss be aware of your work in a convenient format. Write a short, regular update for your boss. A simple weekly or bi-weekly email works well. Keep it concise. Preferably one screen in length on their computer. Call it a "Progress Update" or "Project Highlights." Such a practice keeps them in the loop without you having to ask for their time.

You can also use other venues. When you see your boss in the hallway, give a quick, positive update. "Hey, just wanted to let you know we're on track to launch the new product next week." A brief conversation like that is a quick, easy way to stay top-of-mind.

Consider offering to present your team's work to a broader audience, such as a company-wide meeting. Speaking to a larger group gives you a platform to showcase your results and vision. Presenting positions you as a leader who isn't afraid to step up and take ownership.

Make Yourself Indispensable

When you consistently communicate your value, you become essential to your organization. Your boss won't want to lose you because they'll see how much you contribute. You're not just an employee; you're a strategic partner.

You help your boss succeed in their role by providing them with the necessary data about your performance.

You also build your own career path. When it's time for a promotion or a raise, you have a clear record of your accomplishments. You've been building your case all along. You can point to specific projects, results, and innovations. It's a powerful position to be in.

The key is consistency. Make showing your value a habit. It's not about big, flashy presentations. It's about small, regular communications that build a picture of your leadership over time. You don't have to be loud to be seen. You just have to be clear and consistent. Your boss will notice. And your career will flourish.