How do I get recognized for what I do?

How do I get recognized for what I do?

Hi, I’m Janet Granger, answering the question: “How do I get recognized for what I’m doing?” 

I’m going to take a moment to unpack the word “recognized.” There are at least two ways that the word ‘recognized” can be can be interpreted. 

One of them is: you’re not feeling appreciated. So the question may be, “What do I need to do to feel more valued?” 

Another possible meaning is, you want to get promoted. 

To address the first one, which is that you’re not feeling valued, my question back to you – if that’s what’s running through your mind – is “why not?” What are you expecting that will make you feel valued? 

Work isn’t like school, where you get praised along the way – by getting grades, showing you how you’re doing. When you get hired, you’re expected to do a job, and do it well. What goes through your manager’s (and the business leader’s mind) is: you did your job? Great! Here’s your paycheck! 

I have heard managers say: your paycheck is your praise and your acknowledgement. Because you continue to do your job and you’re doing well. 

Typically, “no news is good news.” (Though not every manager will tell you if they have criticism,  because some of them are just not good at managing people, and they don’t like confrontation.) 

If your manager hasn’t criticized anything, or told you’re not doing a good job, you can assume you are doing a good job. Or you can set up a meeting with them, once a month, to talk about that. 

If what you’re thinking is: you’re not getting enough feedback, I’ve answered the question: “How do I know how I’m doing a good job?” I recommend you listen to that answer where I go into that in a little more detail.

Now the second idea – behind this recognition issue – is, you want to get applauded and praised, and maybe even a promotion. “Recognition” could be, “I’m ready for the next level.” 

Most managers don’t gush with praise – so part of the issue may be in your expectations. What would make you happy, or what you need? (I cover that in the “I get no feedback/How do I know I’m doing a good job?” question.) 

If you would like to get promoted, and that’s the kind of recognition you’re talking about, my question to you is: what are you doing, over and above, and beyond, what your job description is?”

Take a look at your job description and think about all those things you’re doing where you’re going above and beyond, because often that’s what is going to take you to the next level. Be sure that you’ve mastered and learned everything you need to do to do your current job, because that’s how you get to the next level. 

Finally, if when you’re thinking about “not being recognized,” you are expecting to get promoted,  listen to my answer to the question: “How soon can I expect a promotion or a raise?” That might answer some of the questions you have. 

It’s hard to get used to the working world because, if you’ve excelled in school, or you’re a Type A personality, as they say, you don’t get recognized nearly as much at work vs. in school. 

One thing you can do, and this may sound counter-intuitive, but if you would like for there to be  more “praise-giving” and applause in your organization, you can start recognizing others. As an individual contributor, if you’re on a team, during team meetings, when you’re talking about projects, start verbally recognizing your teammates when they do a really good job. 

You can be part of affecting the change in the culture, if you would like for it to be more of a give and take, and for people to be appreciated out loud and verbally. I suggest you try starting it yourself, and see if it becomes contagious, in terms of other people then starting to praise and acknowledge people on the team. 

Maybe then you can change this culture of silent approval. But recognize that change comes slowly. It’s something that you’ll have to be patient about. You may also just be in a company culture, or with a manager, who doesn’t praise. That’s something that you’ll either have to get used to, or you’ll decide that you need a different type of management style – and look for that in your next role within the company or in a different company. 

I’m Janet Granger answering the question: “How do I get recognized for what I’m doing?”