How to get noticed at work (for the right reasons)

Have you ever wondered why the boss notices other colleagues, but forgets that you exist, even though all of you work equally hard and produce similar results? If you thought that letting your accomplishments speak for themselves would be enough, it's time to throw modesty aside and do a little "self publicity" to get the recognition you deserve.

You can't remain the silent and invisible worker if you want to stand out in the crowded corporate landscape. Here are some ways to raise your visibility at work (without resorting to looking like a clown):

Conduct a self-assessment
Before you start promoting yourself, take an honest look at your own abilities by doing a SWOT analysis. Identify your own strengths and weaknesses and work on the skills you're lacking before your supervisor points them out to you. You could also enlist the help of a mentor who can advise you and see things from a different perspective.

Put a face to your name
People need to know who you are, what you're doing and how you're contributing to the organisation. Be physically present at meetings and discussions so that key decision makers can put a face to the work you've done. Get over your fear of speaking up in front of top management.

Assert yourself
Don't just sit in a corner and gripe to your colleagues after a meeting has ended. Review the meeting agenda and prepare to voice your opinions (with valid reasons) with the rest. However, don't talk for the sake of talking, people know rubbish when they hear it.

Make your achievements known
You produce good work, but your boss may have forgotten that. Remind him about what you've been doing with regular e-mail or verbal reports that include details about the targets achieved and future projects you're busy with. Again, make sure you have a real reason to correspond with your boss.

Take up the challenge
Volunteer for ad hoc projects if no one else puts up their hands. This is a good chance for you to demonstrate your leadership ability and even new sets of skills others never knew about.

Be a social butterfly
Don't think of office functions as a waste of time. Make the effort to know people from other departments or get to know casual acquaintances better. You can develop camaraderie with colleagues and make new contacts in this social setting.

Establish the right body language
If you blend in with your surroundings or don't act according to your seniority, it's time to polish your image. Your body language should communicate confidence and authority. The clothes you wear should be suitable to, or slightly above your rank.