How To Be Visible As A Leader

Despite her impressive track record, Mary, the CEO of a mid-sized tech company, had always been a behind-the-scenes kind of leader, struggling with how to be visible as a leader. She was an introvert and this was a challenge for her to assert herself in meetings, and she often felt overshadowed by more vocal colleagues.

One day, after a particularly challenging board meeting where her ideas were overlooked, Mary decided it was time to change. She realized that to drive her company forward, she needed to be seen and heard.

Here are five strategies Mary adopted on how to be visible as a leader:

1. Embrace Public Speaking

To learn how to be visible as a leader, you should be able to seek out public speaking engagements, starting with internal meetings and gradually expanding to industry conferences. This can be done through insight and expertise sharing. This helps to build confidence as a leader. Public speaking allowed Mary to connect with a broader audience and reinforce her position as a visionary leader.

2. Leverage Social Media

Understanding how to be visible as a leader in the digital age, Mary started to use social media. She shared her thoughts on industry trends, company milestones, and leadership experiences on LinkedIn and X. This increased her visibility and allowed her to engage with other leaders and potential partners.

3. Mentor Others

Mentoring is key to learning how to be visible as a leader. Mary began mentoring emerging leaders within her organization. This helped her develop the next generation of talent and reinforced her leadership role. She demonstrated her commitment to personal and professional growth, and her influence within the company grew significantly.

4. Participate in Cross-Functional Teams

Mary joined cross-functional teams that allowed her to interact with colleagues from different departments. This collaboration gave her a broader perspective and helped her build relationships across the organization. Her involvement in diverse projects increased her visibility and demonstrated her leadership.

5. Seeking Feedback And Act

Seeking feedback from your team and peers shows a willingness to grow and adapt as a leader. Acting on the feedback improves your leadership skills and gains respect from your colleagues. This open communication makes you more approachable and underscores your commitment to excellence.

Conclusion

Mary’s journey to becoming a more visible leader transformed her career and the trajectory of her company. If you want to enhance your leadership presence and learn how to be visible as a leader, consider signing up for our leadership class.