The world of technology is fast-paced and collaborative by nature. With so many people fighting over similar positions and companies becoming increasingly more competitive, it's not uncommon for individuals (at any rank) to feel that their contributions go unnoticed or unappreciated. However, receiving due credit is essential for professional growth, self-motivation, and job satisfaction. Whether you're a developer, designer, QA, or any other role in a high-functioning team, here are some strategies to help you get the credit you deserve!

‍

Clearly Define Your Role and Responsibilities

To receive credit for your work, it's crucial to clearly understand your role and responsibilities within your team and organization. Every employee contributes to the overall objective of the company. Even if you have a role that you think doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, I'm here to tell you that you do! Sometimes, organizations can grow so quickly that some employees feel left out, and their roles pushed to the side. Actively participate in defining your role during team discussions or sprint planning sessions. You can easily incorporate this into group discussions by mentioning how your tasks and deliverables align with the current project goals. Communicate your expertise, skills, and the value you bring to the team to ensure everyone understands and recognizes your contributions.

‍

Document and Showcase Your Achievements (Modestly)

Keep a record of your accomplishments, milestones, and successful projects. Maintaining a portfolio or a personal archive of your work is tangible evidence of your contributions. Share your portfolio with team members, managers, or stakeholders during performance evaluations, one-on-one meetings, or team presentations. Demonstrating your work and its impact helps others recognize your value and accomplishments. Keeping a record of your accomplishments goes beyond your organization as well. A good portfolio of achievements in your professional career can give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs. While this is a great practice, there's a fine line to avoid crossing so you don't come across as bragging. Keep it modest!

‍

Communicate Proactively

Proactively communicating your progress and achievements is essential to gaining the recognition you deserve. Regularly update your team and relevant stakeholders on the status of your work, highlighting completed tasks, milestones achieved, or any challenges overcome. You must also be aware of the timing when sharing your accomplishments. You wouldn't use a developer sprint to highlight things you've done. Utilize daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, or team communication channels to share updates when appropriate. Keeping others informed increases visibility, leading to a higher chance of your contributions getting the recognition you deserve. Look at it from a different point of view: Imagine you're the Scrum Master. Wouldn't you admire the transparency and effective communication from a team member who does all these things?

‍

Give Credit to Others

This point is arguably the most important. Recognition is a two-way street. Acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of your teammates as well as your own. When someone supports your work or provides valuable insights, publicly acknowledge their efforts and express gratitude. Being conscious about the achievements of others fosters a culture of recognition and encourages others to reciprocate when it comes to your contributions. That dynamic among the team is continuously impactful here at Xennial Innovations, and I recommend that all organizations adopt this good habit.

‍

Seek Feedback and Recognition

Feedback is a cornerstone to overall improvement. If you want someone to recognize your accomplishments, you must also be willing to accept criticisms about your work from said person. Regularly ask for input on your work, processes, or ideas. Constructive feedback helps you improve your skills and align your efforts with team goals.

Additionally, don't hesitate to ask for recognition from your immediate supervisor during performance reviews or one-on-one meetings. Asking directly for feedback showcases your commitment to personal growth and establishes the importance of your contributions getting acknowledged. It can also help you build a relationship with your supervisor, leading them to recognize you and your accomplishments.

‍

Network and Engage with the Tech Community

Nothing is more powerful and impactful to your professional development than networking. Engaging with the larger tech community is a valuable way to gain recognition beyond your immediate team and organization. Attend industry conferences, participate in meetups, and contribute to open-source projects. If you are good at something, share your expertise within the tech community through blog posts, technical articles, or speaking engagements. By actively participating in the broader community around your organization, you increase your visibility and establish yourself as an expert in your field, leading to more opportunities for recognition. Who wouldn't want that?

‍

Receiving the credit you deserve in the tech world – or any industry, for that matter – is crucial for professional growth and job satisfaction. By proactively implementing everything we discussed, you can increase visibility and help get your contributions acknowledged. Advocating for yourself and actively participating in your professional journey is critical to getting the credit you deserve. Embrace your inner trailblazer and advocate for yourself!  

We make it a mission to uplift our team members and celebrate their success. Check out how we recognize employees on social media:

- Employee recognition on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuE3NO3oxeX/
- Employee recognition on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7131287956819959809

‍