why your network and visibility matter more than you think

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Welcome back to House of Leadership. We explore what it really takes to grow and lead successfully in a fast-paced, high-performance environment. We go beyond metrics to talk about influence, visibility, mindset, and the habits that separate good from great. Whether you're climbing the ladder or helping others do the same, you'll find practical insights to elevate your impact.

🔎 What We’ll Learn in Today’s Newsletter

• Why consistent, reliable performance is your foundation—but not the full story

• How visibility and influence can open doors, performance alone can't

• The role of networking in shaping your career trajectory

• Practical ways to build authentic relationships across your company

• How to stay top-of-mind with senior leaders without self-promotion

• Why being known for something matters—and how to define that “something” for yourself

I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately — something that’s come up in conversations with peers, during skip levels, and even as I reflect on my own career trajectory.

We often focus heavily on being reliable performers. We show up, we meet (or exceed) our goals, we respond quickly, we’re the ones people can count on. And don’t get me wrong — reliability is the foundation of any great career. But here’s the hard truth: being reliable alone isn’t enough.

In today’s fast-moving, interconnected world of work, there’s something equally important — maybe even more important in the long run:

Your visibility and your network.

It’s the combination of consistent performance and intentional relationship-building that separates those who are simply “doing well” from those who accelerate into the most meaningful, impactful roles. Let me explain what I mean — and why this matters for all of us.

✅ First: Reliability is Non-Negotiable

Let’s start here: being someone others can count on is still the bedrock. If you’re dropping the ball, constantly late, or hard to pin down, your visibility or network won’t save you. Reliability builds trust. It’s your baseline.

When someone says “Oh yeah, I know them — they’re solid,” that reputation follows you, opens doors, and gets you invited to interesting projects.

But being reliable isn’t the end goal. It’s the starting line.

Why?

Because in every organisation, there are dozens — maybe hundreds — of people who are also reliable. And if you’re not actively cultivating visibility and relationships, your name might not come up when it matters most.

👀 What Does Visibility Really Mean?

Visibility is about being known — not in a performative way, but in a purposeful one.

It’s about making your work and your impact known to the right people. It’s about ensuring your contributions aren’t just buried in a project plan or spreadsheet, but are actively recognised and understood by others — especially those outside your immediate team.

Too often, I see brilliant, hard-working individuals operating quietly behind the scenes. They assume their great work will naturally be noticed.

Sometimes it is.

Often, it’s not.

We don’t work in a meritocracy where the best work automatically floats to the top. We work in a complex, collaborative environment where relationships and communication amplify impact. If no one knows what you’re doing, or why it matters, then the organisation is missing out — and so are you.

🤝 Why Your Network is a Career Superpower

Your network isn’t just about who you know — it’s about who knows you and what you bring to the table.

It’s your reputation across teams. It’s how you hear about new opportunities early. It’s who you call when you need a quick gut check, a sounding board, or a partner on something ambitious. It’s the difference between navigating a tough moment alone or having five allies ready to support you.

When I look at the moments in my career where I’ve grown the most — stretch projects, internal promotions, joining big cross-functional initiatives — every single one of them was unlocked through relationships.

Not because I asked for favours. Not because I schmoozed. But because I had taken the time, over weeks and months and years, to build genuine connections — to be known, trusted, and respected beyond my immediate circle.

That kind of network doesn't happen overnight. But it starts with simple things:

• Reach out beyond your function — Set up virtual coffees or 15-minute chats with people in other departments. Ask about their work, their goals, and their challenges. Listen well.

• Be present and engaged — When you’re in meetings or cross-team spaces, speak up. Contribute. Share context others might not have. Offer to help.

• Lift others up — Celebrate people’s wins publicly. Give shout-outs in Slack, in meetings, in updates. What goes around, comes around.

🗞️ Things worth checking out

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