The Big Apple Red

Bragging vs. Visibility: The Subtle Career Skill That Opens Big Doors

Share Post:

By Katie DeWulf

I used to believe that if I just did the work — really did the work — people would notice.

I'd hit every deadline, go the extra mile, solve the problems no one else wanted to touch. And I did it all quietly, thinking my results would speak for themselves.

But they didn't.

And when the promotion I was working toward went to someone else — someone who talked about their impact more than I ever did — it hit me: it's not enough to be great at what you do. People have to know you're great at what you do.

Visibility Isn't Bragging — It's Owning Your Impact

Let's get one thing clear: visibility is not the same thing as bragging.

Bragging says, "Look how amazing I am."

Visibility says, "Here's the value I'm creating."

It's a subtle shift, but a powerful one — especially for women, who are often conditioned to equate humility with professionalism and silence with strength. But staying quiet doesn't serve your career. In fact, it might be holding you back.

According to the 2024 Lean In Women in the Workplace report, despite decades of progress, true equity in the workplace is still about 50 years away. One major contributor? Women continue to be underrecognized and underpromoted, especially at the manager and director levels.

And HERC Jobs drives this point home in their recent article, noting:

"Visibility means ensuring your skills, contributions, and achievements are seen and recognized by others in your workplace. Without it, leaders may not fully recognize the value you bring, resulting in missed opportunities."

So if you're working hard and still feeling unseen, it's not just in your head. And it's not because you're not good enough. It's likely because you're not being visible enough.

But Isn't Talking About Myself… Cringey?

It can feel that way — especially if you've been taught that "good work should speak for itself." (Spoiler alert: It doesn't.) But reframing visibility as advocating for your value rather than bragging about your wins makes it a lot easier to stomach — and a lot more impactful.

Early in my career, I let fear — and the false belief that visibility meant bragging — hold me back. But that couldn't be further from the truth. I've since learned that visibility is essential for career growth, and it doesn't have to feel forced. In fact, it can be built in a way that's true to who you are and how you lead.

In fact, research shows that when employees do self-advocate, it not only helps them get promoted — it also creates space for others to do the same. Visibility has a ripple effect. When a colleague confidently shares his or her impact, it gives others permission to do the same.

Here's How to Build Visibility Without Feeling Like You Are Bragging

If you're wondering how to start showing up without sounding like a walking LinkedIn humblebrag, here are a few ways to keep it grounded and authentic:

  1. 1. Lead with the "Why It Mattered"

    Don't just share what you did — share why it mattered.

    Example: "I redesigned our intake process, which helped reduce patient wait times by 25%." That's not a flex. That's business impact.

  2. 2. Use Your 1:1s Strategically

    Performance reviews aren't the only time to talk about your accomplishments. Make your regular check-ins a place to track wins and connect your work to team or company goals.

  3. 3. Don't Sleep on External Recognition

    Speaking at an event? Earned a new certification? Mention it. Update your LinkedIn. Bring it up in conversation. These aren't just resume-builders — they're credibility builders.

  4. 4. Tell Short Stories, Not Stats

    Numbers are great, but people remember stories.

    "Last quarter, I led a cross-functional team to fix a workflow issue that was causing constant frustration. We solved it in three weeks, and now the entire team saves X hours every week."

    Short. Relatable. Memorable.

  5. 5. Recognize Others, Too

    Visibility isn't a solo sport. Shouting out teammates not only builds goodwill — it builds a culture where celebrating wins becomes the norm.

    And yes, it makes it easier to celebrate your own contributions, too.

Bottom Line: You Can't Be a Best-Kept Secret and Expect to Rise

If you want to grow in your career — get promoted, lead big projects, shape strategy — people need to know what you're doing and why it matters. That's not arrogance. That's advocacy.

And if the word "visibility" still feels uncomfortable, try this instead:

👉 Visibility = helping people understand how you make things better.

That's it. That's the whole game.

Final Take - You Got This

I'll be honest — this didn't come naturally to me. As an introvert at my core, for a long time, the idea of putting myself out there felt uncomfortable at best.

What I learned: You don't have to be the loudest person in the room. But you do need to take up space. Thoughtfully. Strategically. Authentically.

Because when we own our impact, everyone benefits.

So go ahead — talk about your wins. Start that LinkedIn post. Bring up that project in your next team meeting.

You're not bragging. You're showing up.

Sources:

Want more stories and real-talk strategies like this? Subscribe to the Big Apple Red newsletter for career advice that doesn't sugarcoat it.

And let's stay connected: Follow me on Instagram @thebigapplered

You're not here to be overlooked. Let's make sure they see you.