Mind Spark #23 - Visibility Starts in the Meeting Room

In my last blog, “Breaking Barriers by Lifting Others,” I shared my learning that supporting one another helps us grow together. During Dr. Hua’s talk, she also highlighted four strategies for breaking the bamboo ceiling: speaking up early and often, building strategic relationships, shaping and elevating your brand, and cultivating visibility. One that stood out to me was cultivating visibility.

After her presentation, I picked up The Visibility Mindset by Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam, two inspiring Asian American professionals. Both Dr. Hua and the book's authors emphasize that visibility is not about bragging, but rather about showcasing the value of our contributions. And this lesson applies to everyone, not just Asian American professionals.

Dr. Hua mentioned the strategies to cultivate visibility include identifying high-impact opportunities, such as stretch assignments and cross-functional projects, and presenting ideas or results in team meetings. One area where visibility often begins is in group meetings. Meetings are not only for sharing updates but also great opportunities to connect, collaborate, and demonstrate leadership through participation.

I recall a particular moment when I applied this at work. During a company-wide leader huddle meeting, where we discussed onboarding new employees, I decided to share my practice in the onboarding process with a deck I had developed for my new team members. Initially hesitant, I realized it was essential to share my slide deck with other leaders and seek their thoughts, hoping it would spark their insights and perspectives. I got very positive feedback from my colleagues, which not only boosted my confidence but also led to more opportunities to lead similar initiatives. This personal experience reinforced the idea that sharing my ideas or achievements can open doors and enhance my professional presence. The way I participate and interact with others during group meetings can significantly improve my visibility and influence.

Here are a few takeaways from the book and Dr. Hua’s talk, as well as my thoughts:

1. Prepare in advance. Take some time to prepare for the meeting, like reviewing the agenda and attendees, reading the materials, and preparing a few questions and comments. Excellent preparation for the meeting will boost our confidence and enable us to contribute effectively.

   
   

2. Arrive early. A few extra minutes can help us settle in, greet colleagues, and signal our engagement. Absolutely, don’t be the person letting the people in the whole room wait.  Arriving early, not only in meetings but also at work, demonstrates our engagement, as I have also discussed in my blog, "The Big Impact of Showing Up Early."

   
   

3. Speak early and often. If we share something at the start, it becomes easier to join the discussion again later. In most cases, people’s ideas are very similar or alike; the earlier we speak up, the quicker people can notice that.

   
   

4. Be present and active. It’s easy to stay quiet in meetings until called upon. But those who contribute throughout are noticed more. Asking a thoughtful question, echoing someone’s idea, or simply affirming a point shows attentiveness and collaboration.

   
   

5. Build allies. As discussed in the fireside chat, relationships matter. Our visibility grows when we support others’ ideas and they support ours. This creates a culture where everyone’s contributions are elevated and valued.

   
   

6. Intention over perfection. Speaking up can feel uncomfortable, especially when sharing an unpolished thought or a different perspective due to the fear of judgment. But embarrassment is the price of entry. Each small step we take to contribute helps build both confidence and credibility over time. Remember, visibility isn’t about perfection. It’s about having intention and being consistent.

At its core, cultivating visibility means being recognized for the impact we bring, not just the quiet work behind the scenes. Navigating group dynamics is a great starting point, and taking on high-impact projects can further strengthen our presence.

I hope this post inspires you to find your own ways to show up, be seen, and let your contributions shine.

#CareerGrowth#VisibilityMindset #GroupDynamics #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

Book cover photo by Shujian Zhang