Be visible to be seen as a leader

Visibility—being seen at important meetings, functions and working on important projects—delivers the powerful nonverbal message that you are among the organization’s leaders. Here are some techniques for raising your leadership profile:

• Attend all organization functions. Showing up for meetings and appointments is crucial, but also attend social or informal gatherings, such as birthday luncheons or holiday parties. Management will see that you are an integral part of the organization and its morale, and your staff will appreciate the fact that you care about the team.
• Volunteer for important jobs. Offer your services to a strategic planning group that involves other divisions. Ask your boss how you can help with next year’s budgeting or developing new products or services. These are not only high-visibility tasks, they also teach you valuable skills.
• Contribute to meetings. Never attend a meeting without contributing an idea or at least asking questions. That shows you are engaged in the meeting and your organization’s work. 
• Don’t hide in your office or cubicle. Eat lunch with co-workers and managers of other departments. Get to know the administrative assistants and secretaries as well as the professional staff. Their roles are as important to the organization’s success as anyone’s. By getting out and about, you develop an ability to take the pulse of the organization.
• Expand your circle. Don’t talk to the same people at work every day.  Make a point of greeting and talking to people in other divisions or in industry groups. Ask for their advice on matters. By reaching out to others, you will be seen as more approachable.