Wallflowers No More: Elevating IC in the Spotlight
Contrary to what the title of the 1999 novel by Stephen Chbosky might suggest, there aren’t any perks to being a wallflower, especially in internal communication (IC). Fading into the background could mean that your role gets overlooked or, worse, eliminated during staffing cuts. To avoid being the unnoticed wallflower and to underscore the significance of IC, here are a few strategies to keep it at the forefront:
Highlight Your Achievements Regularly—Make it a habit to showcase your accomplishments consistently. Ensure your successes are visible to your boss and key stakeholders. Share metrics like open rates, click rates, and other relevant data that reflect the positive impact of your work. If you’re uncomfortable with self-promotion, letting the data speak for itself is a subtle yet effective approach.
Present Problem-Solution Comparisons—Demonstrate your expertise by conducting a problem-solution analysis. Start by outlining the IC challenge you faced and how you identified it. Then, highlight the key steps you took to solve it. Use a combination of quantitative and qualitative data to illustrate the success of your solution.
Pass Along Positive Feedback—Don't hesitate to share positive feedback you receive. When someone sends you a kudos or expresses their praise verbally, make sure to convey these sentiments to your boss. It may feel a bit forced, but it’s a crucial step to ensure that your accomplishments are recognized. While it’s ideal for others to sing your praises directly to your boss, it’s not always guaranteed. Sometimes, their kind words may need a nudge in the right direction.
By adopting these approaches, you can gracefully step out of the shadows and shed your wallflower status within IC. Instead, you’ll be recognized as a vital subject matter expert, ensuring that IC remains a valued function in your organization.
