So Chris…
There are so many times I take on extra work to help out my teammates, when my own plate is full. And they will let my manager know that I’ve been helpful to them. But I never hear anything from my manager about it.
I don’t do it for the pat on the back, I do it because it’s who I am. But we all need a little recognition or at least acknowledgement for going the extra mile…right?
How do I get my manager to acknowledge the effort I’m putting forth? Do I confront my manager and ask why he’s ignoring my hard work or do I just let it go.
Signed,
Due some recognition
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Yes, due some recognition, we ALL want to be acknowledged for supporting the success of our team.
Let me applaud you for being so selfless in supporting the team. It ALWAYS comes back to you, perhaps not it the way it was given…but it does. People respect a team player.
Let’s talk about your manager for a minute.
Having been a manager and leader, myself, in various roles I can attest to the fact that we’re NOT perfect! We’re responding to the pressures above and the pressures below. You have no idea how they might be struggling with a poor performer and that has their attention. Or they may be getting dumped on by their own manager as well.
I’m NOT making excuses because as an employee, you DO deserve to be acknowledged and recognized for your contributions.
Let me offer a different approach.
Trust and believe that I’ve used this approach and continue to to this very day…
And it’s worked every freaking time…
Yes, talk to your manager and tell them how much you enjoy helping the team succeed because you know that will also make him/her look good to their boss. Tell them you’d like to keep him/her updated on your accomplishments and ask how to do that.
Do they want an email, a monthly or quarterly update or in the moment?Tell them you want to make the annual assessment process easier for them and give them success stories to share with their boss.
It’s interesting what happens when you approach things from the perspective of making “them” look good.
They learn to deeply appreciate what you offer and look for opportunities to acknowledge it.
Try it and see what happens. I’d love to hear how it turned out!
~ Fear nothing. Love everything.
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Thank you.