Feeling Invisible at Work? Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
You’re working hard, putting in the hours, and doing everything right, so why does it feel like everyone else is getting ahead while you’re stuck in the background?
You watch colleagues get promoted, land the best projects, and gain recognition from leadership, while your efforts seem to go unnoticed. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You might even start questioning what you’re missing…
The Truth About Workplace Visibility and Career Progression
The reality is, success isn’t just about hard work. Career advancement is about making sure the right people see and recognise the impact you’re making.
If you’re waiting to be noticed, hoping that your work will speak for itself, you’re handing over control of your professional growth. You need to take ownership of your career development.
The people moving forward aren’t necessarily the most talented or the hardest-working - they’re the ones who confidently communicate their value and position themselves for opportunities. If you want a promotion, a leadership role, or more career opportunities, you need to make yourself visible.
Why Hard Work Alone Won't Get You Ahead: The PIE Theory of Career Progression
Harvey Coleman, in his book Empowering Yourself, introduced the PIE Theory of Career Progression, which breaks down what truly drives workplace visibility and success:
10% Performance: Doing your job well is essential, but it’s just the starting point. It gets you on the career ladder but doesn’t move you up.
30% Image: How others perceive you matters. Do you look like you want the next role? Do people believe you have the capability and presence for the next level?
60% Exposure: This is the most critical factor. Who knows about the work you’re doing? Do you have mentors, sponsors, or advocates who can speak on your behalf in rooms where you’re not present?
Many professionals assume that great job performance alone will get them recognised, but according to this framework, 90% of career progression is about how you present yourself and how visible you are. If you’re not actively managing your personal brand and exposure, you could be limiting your own growth.
Why So Many Professionals Struggle to Self-Advocate
We’re often told that if we work hard, success will follow. But the truth is, no one will champion your career if you don’t do it yourself.
If you want to be seen, you need to:
Clearly communicate your value – don’t assume others see it.
Make yourself visible to key decision-makers.
Ask for what you want – whether it’s a raise, promotion, or new challenge.
This isn’t about self-promotion for the sake of it, it’s about ensuring that your contributions don’t go unnoticed and positioning yourself for career advancement.
How to Take Control of Your Career Progression
This is exactly what I help my clients do through career coaching. Together, we work on:
Building confidence to speak up and own their achievements.
Developing a strong personal brand that reflects their strengths and career goals.
Becoming more visible to key decision-makers and leadership.
Positioning themselves as leaders who bring real value to their organisations.
The first step is understanding what you bring to the table and learning how to communicate it in a way that feels natural and authentic. Career success starts with self-advocacy and workplace visibility.
Why This Matters for Your Career Growth
If you don’t advocate for yourself, you risk staying in the background while others move ahead. But when you take ownership of your career progression and communicate your value effectively, everything changes.
More workplace visibility
More career opportunities
More promotions and leadership roles
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
If you’re ready to stop feeling invisible and start owning your career success, book a free consultation call below and explore how career coaching can help you achieve your goals.
