Your Manager Can't Read Your Mind
Ever had that moment where you thought, "Surely my manager knows how much work I've put into this," only to realize later that they had no idea what you accomplished?
You're not alone. We assume that everyone sees how hard we've worked, the impact we've made, or the problems we've quietly solved. They don't.
Not because managers don't care. They're juggling a dozen other things—projects, people, deadlines. No matter how great, your work can slip under the radar unless you ensure it is visible.
This week, I'll show you simple, practical ways to showcase your work—without feeling awkward or self-promotional. Because if your manager can't read your mind (and they can't), you've got to speak up.
The Real Reason Your Work Gets Overlooked
How can you make sure your work shows up on your manager's radar?
Managers rely on signals—updates, quick check-ins, project milestones—to understand what's getting done. If you're not sending those signals, your work fades into the background, no matter how impactful it is.
Effort doesn't equal visibility. Impact doesn't equal recognition.
This isn't about working harder or adding more to your plate. It's about making sure the work you're already doing doesn't go unnoticed.
In the next section, I'll show you how to send the right signals—clearly, confidently, and without feeling like you're just "talking yourself up."
How to Send the Right Signals
You don’t need to shout from the rooftops to get your work noticed. Small, consistent actions make the biggest difference.
Here’s how to make your contributions visible without feeling like you’re constantly self-promoting:
1. Keep a “Wins” List
Create a simple, running document where you track your accomplishments—big or small. It could be a solved problem, a process you improved, or a key decision you influenced.
This isn’t just for performance reviews; it’s your personal reference to make sure nothing slips through the cracks when you talk to your manager.
2. Use One-on-Ones Strategically
Think of your regular check-ins as more than status updates. Don’t just talk about tasks you’ve completed—highlight the impact of your work. Instead of saying, “I fixed the API issue,” say, “I resolved the API downtime, which reduced support tickets by 30% this week.” Same work, clearer value.
3. Frame Your Work Around Outcomes, Not Effort
Focus on what changed because of your work. Effort is invisible unless it’s tied to a result. Ask yourself: What’s better now because of what I did? That’s what your manager needs to hear.
4. Communicate Progress
Don’t wait for a project to be finished to talk about it. A quick Slack update like, “Wrapped up the new deployment script—cut build times by 15%. Let me know if you notice improvements,” keeps your work on the radar without feeling forced.
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The Quick Fix for Making Your Work Visible
Your work matters, but it won’t speak for itself.
Not because it’s not valuable—but because it’s not always visible.
Self-advocacy is about sending the right signals so your contributions don’t get lost in the noise.
Start simple:
- Write down one thing you accomplished this week.
- Add a sentence about the impact it had.
- Share it with your manager.
That’s it. No fluff, no overthinking—just making sure the work you’re already doing gets seen.
Because if your manager can’t read your mind (and they can’t), it’s up to you to make it clear.
If this helped shift your thinking, reply and tell me—what’s one thing you’re going to share with your manager?