Dr. Galia BarHava-Monteith is very comfortable with putting herself out there as a thought leader, not just because she knows her stuff but because she know that’s what it takes to get ahead.
But interestingly research shows that when it comes to self promotion and exposure, these are traits that are more likely to be lacking in women, more so then men.
“A big part of what we do is share a framework called PIE, which says that basically Performance and Image only account for 30% of your career success. Overall, Exposure is what actually gets you places, you have to perform and everyone who’s promotable performs, but unless people have heard of you, you’re never going to get those opportunities.
“That’s the thing that blows people’s minds, women in particular, because they might be doing great work in an office, a law firm, working as a partner even, but no one else has heard of them and so they are not going to get those opportunities.
“I’m very comfortable with having a profile. Because it’s how I get work. But you’ve got to put yourself out there. You’ve got to be open to all exposure opportunities.”
In addition to Dr BarHava-Monteith’s findings, numerous bodies of research, including this recent study in the UK also suggests that when it comes to seeking a promotion or pay rise, men are also more likely then women to push for one until they are successful.
To turn these insights into progressive action, and start promoting yourself, here are some ideas to consider to boost your exposure:
- Speak Up in Meetings: Actively participate in meetings by asking thoughtful questions, sharing your ideas and expertise, and offering constructive input on relevant topics. This demonstrates your engagement and contributes to your visibility as a proactive team member.
- Seek Leadership Opportunities: Look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership within your team or department. Offer to lead projects, mentor junior colleagues, or represent your team in cross-functional initiatives.
- Utilize Social Media and Internal Platforms: Engage with colleagues and share relevant content on internal communication platforms or social media channels used by your organization. This allows you to showcase your knowledge, interests, and accomplishments to a wider audience within the company.
- Seek Feedback and Recognition: Proactively seek feedback from supervisors and colleagues on your performance and contributions. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, and ensure that your efforts are recognized and appreciated by others.
- Stay Informed and Stay Connected: Stay informed about important developments, initiatives, and changes within the organisation. Stay connected with colleagues through regular communication and collaboration, and actively seek opportunities to contribute to the company’s goals and objectives.
Financy covers gender finance, diversity, inclusion and ESG issues. We advocate for gender equity change through the Women’s Index report and help businesses take action on DEI through tech solutions like IMPACTER.
