Visibility Is a Leadership Skill

What part of your leadership are you hiding?

What accomplishments deserve more visibility?

I’m continually impressed by all that you’ve achieved. But let me ask—do you even remember it all? 

I ask you that because most of us don’t.

You are missing an opportunity that deserves light.

The daily grind has a way of keeping our heads down. We check boxes, move through meetings, solve problems, and keep going—without stopping to celebrate or reflect. And that’s where so much of our power quietly slips by us.

We tend to forget, and nobody knows.That’s why I’m urging you to pause, reflect, and take note. Take a moment to observe and chronicle the incredible advancements that you’ve made along the way—not just the major milestones, but the subtle shifts that have reshaped your confidence and capacity.

Now, think back for a moment. Remember the first time you learned how to drive?

Hands at 10 and 2, eyes darting from the rearview mirror to the road, trying to remember every step while suppressing a full-blown panic attack. At the time, it may have felt overwhelming, maybe even impossible. Over time though, those steps became second nature. Today, when you drive, you likely don’t even give it a second thought. It’s become your new normal.

Chances are, however, that you’ve never even revisited the incremental steps taken to aid in your success.Your professional growth is no different.

What once felt insurmountable is now just “how you operate.” That project, that pivot, that presentation—you did that. And it’s in the rearview mirror now—forgotten. While these subsequent wins have led to your success, you can’t underestimate their worth and value.

In a great episode of Coaching for Leaders, Dave Stachowiak interviews Melody Wilding on the importance of capturing these moments—not just for reflection or celebration, but as a strategy to move beyond the voice of the mundane.Your accomplishments aren’t just personal—they’re generative. They fuel confidence, build credibility, and invite opportunity.

“Competence creates confidence.”

This statement holds true, but only if you claim it as your own.

Melody suggests creating a story bank—a growing list of accomplishments, big and small, that tell the story of your journey. When you take time to name your wins, you begin to own your impact. You speak with clarity. You step forward with self-regard.

Having these stories at the ready allows you to have an impromptu conversation with your manager, or colleagues, with confidence and strength.

Research consistently shows that the power of story hits on the sensory system in the brain, creating structure and context and leading to improved retention. This in turn, creates meaning and connection at a deeper level.

Would you rather see a spreadsheet of my ROI, or watch my eyes light up as I recount a short story of how my team surpassed their goal through a creative team initiative? (I can always send you the data for backup!)

A phenomenal resource to help you craft and structure your story is David Hutchens. He provides an easy framework and process to deliver a story that captures your voice and engages the audience. Here he is on Coaching for Leaders.

Additionally, when it is time to update your CV or LinkedIn profile, it is these milestones that will position you for the next great opportunity.

My Challenge to You: 

• Create a simple space to informally document your success, milestones, and wins (presentations, awards, projects completed) and note the date and the impact it had.

• As you think about your greater vision, begin to weave these victories into stories to share.

Practice: Don’t just present the numbers—bring them to life. Tell the story behind the success and take your audience on a journey that shows how the goal was achieved.