In Nigeria and other countries, many women face significant challenges in advancing their careers, despite being highly competent and hardworking. Research by Mckinsey, a global management consulting firm, has found that women often struggle to gain visibility in the workplace, which is a crucial factor in securing opportunities and promotions. According to Mckinsey's Women in the Workplace research, which now includes Nigeria alongside India and Kenya, many women's careers slow down at the first move into management, not due to lack of capability, but because their work is less likely to be visible to decision-makers.
The issue of visibility is not just about being seen, but also about being remembered. When companies need someone for a major event, they often ask around, check who they have seen before, and look at keynote and motivational speakers whose names already come up in conversation. This means that talent alone is not enough; visibility is what helps talent travel. In Nigeria, for instance, when a company needs someone for a major event, it does not go looking for the most hardworking person in Lagos, but rather someone who is known and visible.
Visibility does not mean becoming the loudest person in the room or being boastful. Rather, it means making one's contribution easier to notice and remember. This can be achieved by sharing a point of view in a meeting, presenting the outcome of a project, writing about what one has learned, speaking at an industry event, or simply making sure the right people know what one is working on. By taking these steps, women can make their competence easier to see and increase their chances of being noticed and remembered.
Unfortunately, many women are socialized to believe that self-promotion is impolite or that they should wait to be chosen. This can lead to a culture of silence and invisibility, where women hold back from speaking up or taking credit for their work. Some women may also make themselves smaller in professional settings to avoid discomfort or conflict, but this can ultimately hinder their career advancement.
The good news is that these habits can be changed. Women can start by taking small steps to increase their visibility in the workplace. This can include speaking up in meetings, volunteering to present, or saying yes to opportunities that feel slightly bigger than their comfort zone. By taking these steps, women can build their visibility and increase their chances of being noticed and remembered.
According to Joyce Daniel, a writer for The Sun, women can start by being more proactive in their careers and taking control of their visibility. This means being intentional about sharing their work, speaking up in meetings, and seeking out opportunities to showcase their skills and expertise. By doing so, women can break down the barriers that have held them back and achieve their career goals.
In conclusion, visibility is a crucial career strategy that women in Nigeria and other countries cannot afford to ignore. By making their contributions more visible and taking control of their careers, women can increase their chances of success and achieve their goals. As Mckinsey's research has shown, visibility is a key factor in securing opportunities and promotions, and women who take steps to increase their visibility can reap significant benefits.
Key points
- Women in Nigeria and other countries face challenges in advancing their careers due to lack of visibility in the workplace.
- Visibility is crucial for career advancement, as it helps talent travel and increases one's chances of being noticed and remembered.
- Women can take small steps to increase their visibility, such as speaking up in meetings, volunteering to present, or seeking out opportunities to showcase their skills and expertise.
