Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough To Get You Noticed

 Often we think that if we just work harder and do more we will be noticed for all our efforts. While sometimes that’s true, most often it’s not. If you want to transform from just doing the work to being recognized for it, you’ve got to learn how to manage up. 

So what is managing up? Managing up means proactively building a positive working relationship with your boss by understanding their priorities, anticipating their needs, and communicating your impact in ways that make their life easier. You do this all while positioning yourself as a valuable, strategic contributor (not task manager). 

I learned the hard way why managing up is a critical skill to develop if you want to get ahead. I’m hoping to save you some of the setbacks and disappointment I’ve faced. 

There was a period of time early in my career when I was covering for an employee who was out on long term leave, essentially positioning me to be doing the work of two people. I was cranking out deliverables, and answering emails faster than my dog appears when cheese hits the floor. I was working ten hour days regularly and I thought all my hard work would speak for itself but guess what.. it didn’t. My manager didn’t even notice. 

During my mid-year review, I was hit with the feedback, "You’re doing great, but I would like to see more impact.”

I was floored at the feedback. I was working my butt off to get all of the tasks done, even working extra hours so I never dropped the ball! But the truth? While I was doing a ton of work, I hadn’t been connecting what I was doing to what mattered to my manager or to leadership. I was just doing, not influencing. I learned a very valuable lesson. You’ve got to manage up if you want to get noticed. 

So, here’s 6 tips for you to do it better than I did. 

Tip # 1 Know What’s Keeping Your Manager Up at Night  

Your manager cares about their priorities, not your to-do list. Figure out their top goals and connect your work to those. Example: “I finished the report, which clarifies our budget and keeps us on track for the launch.”

Tip #2 Check In Early and Often (Even When They’re Busy)

Don’t wait for formal reviews, instead grab 10-15 minutes whenever you can to share progress. These mini-updates keep you visible. Example: Share wins framed as team value: “Streamlining that process is saving us 6 hours a week.”

Tip #3 Solve Problems Before They Explode

Look for potential issues early and offer solutions. Nothing makes you more valuable than being the person who stops fires before they start.

Tip #4 Talk Outcomes, Not Tasks

Managers don’t need a list of tasks you’re working on, instead they want results. Share the impact your work has. Example: “ I send the email campaign and it brought in 25 new leads so we'er right on target.”

Tip #5 Ask for Feedback and Act on it

Ask your manager how you can be more effective and take their advice seriously. Acting on feedback shows you’re growing and engaged.

Tip #6 Speak Up About Your Wins

No one is handing out gold stars just because you're doing your job. Don’t wait for others to notice you, instead advocate for yourself. Keep a list of your accomplishments and share them strategically.

Bottom line... 

Managing up isn’t just a skill, it’s a game changer. It’s about building trust, showing how your work matters, and staying ahead of problems. Start small, stay consistent, and you’ll go from task-doer to trusted strategic advisor faster than you think.

Now go make yourself noticeable this week!