I'm in mid-management and the people below and higher than me are constantly getting recognized for my work.

17 Comments

1. Lauren FraleyJune 6,2022 at 4:52PM UTC

   Are you self-promoting? That is, are you sending reports and cc-ing higher ups as to what you've done on your work? Or just reminding people in meetings that it was your idea (Ex: "Thanks, Bill. As I mentioned last week, the [X] idea will really impact [Y] and our overall bottom line.")One of my first jobs I spent three months only asking things I needed of my remote boss; but my 90 day review, and assumed I was doing a terrible job, but all of the people onsite were praising me. I realized I needed to sell myself internally and state exactly what was on my plate and what I accomplished.

   Even now, almost 15 years later, I keep a running log of my accomplishments at a job. It not only makes performance reviews and resume updates easier, it forces me to acknowledge and highlight for senior leaders what impact my role is having on the company.

2. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:34PM UTC

   Thank you, Lauren. I advocate for myself and I receive 'thank yous' along the way. However, my mid-level role is getting everything going and then the execution and higher ups are getting the rewards. I've learned over the years that I need to speak up but unfortunately at this job, I don't have a seat at the table where in previous positions, I had more of visible role.

   I keep a list of my accomplishments and make sure to share with my direct manager during reviews. That being said, I don't have that outlet to keep my name out there during the end results.

   We're a small team so I've realized there isn't room for advancement but I'm getting tired of my accomplishments overlooked when I was the one who set in motion everything. Sorry for gripping but two people received promotions last week for the work I initiated and kept in motion until the final weeks.

3. Lauren FraleyJune 7,2022 at 6:43PM UTC

   Sorry to hear that. If it starts happening at your next company, too, please reach out so we can assist you more. Your current org sounds more like a boys club; however, if it happens at the next organization, there's likely some coaching you need to get you better internal recognition. I wish you all the best in your search! And am glad you have your list of accomplishments - it should make resume writing easier!

4. Margrit PatelJune 6,2022 at 5:28PM UTC

   I think @Lauren Fraley already gave you some really good advise. Keeping a log and self-promoting is something that could help you with getting the recognition you deserve. I would also nudge you to dig a bit deeper and ask yourself why this is even needed. I work in an environment where the people above and under me share recognition where it's due - we share our successes and failures as a team. Is there a broader cultural issue here that may cause everyone to try to get recognition for someone else's work?

5. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:40PM UTC

   Thank you, Margrit. I work in a male-dominated environment so I need to advocate for myself. I love when junior staff get recognized but when I'm constantly cut off from advancing when lower and senior staff keep taking credit for my work, it's getting frustrating. Since I'm not part of the final meetings or discussions, other staff members are taking credit for my work.

   I have chimed in that I'm glad they liked my X and it doesn't go anywhere. The 'boys' club' continues to take credit for my ideas as I'm not there. I'm not sure how I can be there when I'm not invited to the meetings? I've asked previously but I'm cut out as I have a feeling if I was there, they wouldn't be able to take credit. I'm starting to job hunt but I'm having trouble finding a new position.

6. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:15PM UTC

   You need a stronger sense if ownership. You watermark everything with your name or department name. You store your work in writing on a repository so you can track downloads or password protect your work.

   All support or cowork needs to be be in writing with management copied.

   Finally present your work in meetings in the form or PowerPoint slides. Copy everyone so there is no question of whose work is traveling around.

   You need to elevate your profile and enlist managers to support your work by copying them on emails, memos, strategy reports, etc.

7. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:43PM UTC

   I don't have the opportunity to present during meetings so that's part of the problem. Since I don't have the visibility, it's easy for my work to be overlooked. I'm more behind the scenes and then junior staff implement and SLT present to their peers what's happened in our department. I have a good team but I'm trying to find ways I can stand out as well.

8. AnonymousJune 7,2022 at 2:50PM UTC

   Unfortunately it doesn't sound like you're going to get that opportunity. Maybe someday someone will notice.

9. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

   What I did was enter my initials (8pt font) on the footer of each document page.
   That way, I knew my work and others would inquire about what the initials meant.

   One day my Assistant Director came to me irate because I "submitted" legislation for council consideration.

   When he demanded to know how it was not my work, I pointed to the imperfections in the format, spelling/typos, and grammar tense. When I showed him the footer in all of my documents submitted to council, he apologized and then found the culprit.

10. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 6:50PM UTC

    Thank you, Anonymous. We handle everything digitally so there isn't a paper trail. Ideas are communicated by SLT members due to hierarchy. The department heads end up getting rewarded and then junior staff are seen as completing the work are acknowledged as well. Since my work is more creating the connections and then delegating, my contributions are often overlooked. This is the first role that I've had that although in management, I don't have visibility.

    That means that my work goes by unnoticed. I'm glad when our team succeeds but how can I move forward? My manager isn't someone that will advocate with HR as I've tried that route. I've been interviewing lately and as a women working in a male-dominated industry, I might need to leave in order to move forward.

11. AnonymousJune 7,2022 at 10:55PM UTC

    Smart!

12. AnonymousJune 6,2022 at 8:43PM UTC

    If people tend to use and reuse your ideas from your reports and writing, try to write less and talk more.
    Save up most of your ideas for presenting in front of Execs. Participate, but be vague in providing written documentation, so others are not so easily enabled to steal and use your ideas

    Edit: Sorry to clarify when I say write less, not for yourself. Still prepare all of your material for you internally and hot n ready should a VP want more details (Directly from you). Work on a vague version so that they cannot pass off your info for theirs. they would need you to explain and fill in the gaps to the VPs so you can shine like you should have to begin with. Good Luck!

13. AnonymousJune 8,2022 at 12:19AM UTC

    Why not be proud of all you have contributed to others? Are you underpaid?

    ”Leadership isn’t about being the best. Leadership is helping everyone else be better”

14. AnonymousJune 10,2022 at 2:49PM UTC

    I'm glad when teammates and colleagues succeed. It's less about recognition than advancement. I took a position during the pandemic that was lower than my experience. I was grateful for the work but my goal is to return to a role that reflects my background and matching salary. It's one thing if they were able to dictate a plan but that's not an option at my company.

15. Crystal HowellJune 10,2022 at 10:49AM UTC

    Get your accolades,and have an exit back up plan with recruiter. Speak to your promoted friends as a courtesy, and have them acknowledge somehow you are the cause , then have meeting with boss outside of the job or wait for all to leave,or catch them at elevator. If nothing, then exit get your worth and blessing.

16. AnonymousJune 10,2022 at 2:44PM UTC

    Thank you all for your advice. I ended up giving my notice yesterday. After another person received a promotion due to my work, I met with HR. I brought in examples and proof of my achievements. I made it less about others but what I bring to the table. They said they don't see any advancement opportunities so I tendered my resignation. There's more to the story but I knew it was time to leave. Looking forward to being able to commit to moving forward that remaining focused on the path.

17. AnonymousJune 10,2022 at 11:17PM UTC

    I'm a big believer that things happen for a reason as since I posted, I have two interviews next week. Instead of worrying how to fit them within my work schedule, I can give the interviews my all. I'm so grateful to this community and the support everyone provides!