What do you do if your contributions in management consulting go unnoticed by your superiors?

Don’t take it personally. I would recommend to take a proactive approach to ensure that your hard work is recognized. Some steps which you can take are: 1. Seek constant feedback; 2. Align with company goals; 3. Communicate effectively; 4. Build relationships; 5. Document your achievements.

Align yourself to the expectations and objectives set by your superior first.Whenever you achieve something even though it might be a simple and small progress, inform them, communication is the key. Take regular feedback if you are on the right track Do not assume they know what you have done.

First assess if you can align your goals. If you are able to align your approach and goals you should. It’s also important to be realistic. For example, in my experience some consulting managers only appreciate the achievement of billable hour objectives over client satisfaction. One question to consider is whether or not your firm measures client satisfaction. If you work for a firm that only measures production and does not show an interest in client satisfaction you are unlikely to be appropriately recognized for your efforts.

Management Consulting is a knowledge-based domain. If your day-to-day contributions are going unnoticed then you need to take the additional step to establish yourself as an expert in a domain. You can achieve this by developing depth of knowledge in an area and build credentials by publishing whitepapers, creating reusable consulting assets and frameworks, knowledge collaterals and continue updating and upgrading yourself. All this has to be done in close alignment with your leadership for the right visibility and acclaim.

If my contributions go unnoticed, I simply turn up the volume on my celebrations after each successful project delivery. That usually gets their attention! But in all seriousness, open communication and finding the right opportunities to showcase impact are key. I make sure to align my goals with the firm's priorities and quantify how my work drives value, so my superiors can see my contributions. Moreover, I proactively seek feedback and maintain transparency with my superiors to ensure we're on the same page. A little light-hearted humour can also go a long way in building rapport and making your voice heard.

Use your voice!! Keep a log of your achievements/successes and send the right stakeholders in your company a quarterly update. Create a 2 sentence story about yourself and your "brand". Very similar advice the author suggests, but wanted to reiterate that if you are achieving success and not getting recognized, do not "wait" and expect someone to notice. Be your own advocate.

In this era of information overload, more is f forgotten than remembered. It's important to be able to document and market one's successes. In a sense to add value to and enrich the ecosystems that we belong to. In consulting, one ends up working on a variety of different topics and outcomes. Neither easy to summarise quickly during a conversation nor easy for others to absorb and appreciate everything. Keep a Master Work Tracker, of key goals, deliverables and additional contributions. This should be the bible for 1:1 discussions, or providing performance summaries or showcasing (blowing own trumpet, a bit) achievements. This is also a personal organiser, task & priority management tool. Reiterate and remind, until it becomes irrefutable.

Value comes in many forms. One is the work of the researcher - the person who learns how things operate in the real world of work. When you are a researcher - a learner - you become the smartest person in the room when you know how things work, how they go together, and in particular the human element - what people do to get the work done. This will expose the integrations of machines, systems, and people as well - another critical knowledge base to own. Frankly, having data cannot compare to understanding what makes the data possible - and that is always the human content.

Every feedback, contribution, solution, etc. must be documented, backed up by facts and figures where necessary. It is important that your value and your impact are recorded for either current or future references. There have been situations where solutions and contributions have been discarded only to be picked up in the future as a solution reference point. Documenting the value added, the impact of your work and its benefits is a great way of making sure your ‘voice’ is heard.

Communication is key. Don't wait for recognition to come to you; proactively highlight your contributions. Keep your superiors updated on your projects, emphasizing the impact of your work on the organization's goals. For example, during a client presentation, showcase specific results achieved through your strategies. Numbers speak volumes and can't be overlooked. Use metrics like increased sales figures, improved operational efficiency, or enhanced customer satisfaction to demonstrate your value.

When your work goes unnoticed, especially in management consulting crucial for career growth, take these steps: 1. Get Feedback: Request input from superiors and peers to improve and highlight your work. 2. Track Achievements: Document successes, projects, client feedback for reviews or career discussions. 3. Start Conversations: Meet superiors to align goals, contributions with company objectives to show dedication. 4. Network: Connect with colleagues, mentors to increase visibility and acknowledgment. 5. Explore Options: If unrecognized, seek roles where your efforts are valued. Persistence and clear communication are vital for recognition and appreciation at work.

Assisting colleagues is always a means to build your network. In consulting colleagues are always moving on to other projects and firms. This is a solid way to build a good reputation as someone who can be relied upon to help others and gain respect. When colleagues move on to other firms you’ll be remembered as a team player and they may seek you out for advice or help you get on at the new firm.

Network Internally: Build relationships within the company to increase the visibility of your work. Consider External Recognition: Sometimes, recognition from clients or industry peers can highlight your value to your supervisors. Evaluate Your Position: If you've taken these steps and your work is still not being recognized, it may be time to consider if your current role or company is the right fit for you. Remember, it's important to approach the situation professionally and constructively to ensure the best possible outcome.

Especially if you work in a big Group, internal network it is key. Has the same importance of external networks and clients. Sharing your capabites and experiences with your colleagues will enable different opportunities amd create internal positioning.

I would add #6 to Lere's excellent list... #6. Publish and share your work (as permitted and in compliance with policies and confidentiality agreements).

It's not about seeking opportunities, but creating them. In order to set oneself apart, it's important to find the niche that has not yet been filled or to re-fill one that is filled inadequately. If people see you as a different "flavor" than your peers in industry, you have a much higher probability to be seen as a thought leader than someone who is a "me-too".

The easiest way to get noticed is to be different - only in this case, intelligently different and full of substance. I always believe that in addition to a sharp intellect and good communication and relationship building skills, it is imperative to have exclusive ownership of a Hip-pocket skill - something of value to most colleagues and seniors, making you not only noticeable but indispensable, both for the team as well as for the value that you add to the company.

Seeking opportunities outside is important for a consultant as the value of consultant increases with the experience you gain. If you have experience in different industries and different scales of business will add value to your CV.

I'd actually change this from "Seek Opportunities" to "Create opportunities." When I felt I wasn't being properly acknowledged internally, I joined groups where I could contribute and be appreciated. Eventually, that led to consulting independence and a 25 year career on my own as a risk and project management consultant. Also, branch out! It's the old "life hands you lemons, make lemonade" mantra. My incurable cancer diagnosis three years ago has made my life insanely rich, with a new book, new allies, new contacts and reinforcement from those closest to me.

Don't shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone. Volunteer for challenging assignments that allow you to showcase your skills and potential. Taking initiative demonstrates your commitment and willingness to contribute beyond your current role. I would like to share a scenario from one of our client side project where the client faced a complex restructuring dilemma, our senior consulting team volunteered to lead the project despite it being outside our usual scope. The successful execution not only solved the client's problem but also earned recognition from the management team for taking on the challenge.

Not only negotiate your promotion, but be prepared to suggest how YOU will contribute to building the bottom line and there YOU should be the recipient of the results of those efforts. Place yourself in the position of "partner".

Amen to negotiating your promotion, and remember that money isn't always the key. I negotiated my way to a new (previously non-existent) position as a vice-president in the company I worked for by simply saying "If you can't give me cash, at least grant me the title." People take you a lot more seriously when your resume includes titles that impress. And it opens doors for years to come.

When seeking recognition, approach it with confidence backed by evidence of your contributions. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your performance and the value you've brought to the organization. Be prepared to articulate specific examples of your achievements and how they align with the company's objectives. When you feel your efforts were going unnoticed, you can schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your contributions. By presenting concrete evidence of your impact on key projects, you can successfully negotiate a promotion that reflected your value to the firm.

Success in management consulting, as in the case of much of the critical project driven work, is a team sport. Your value is multiplied when you timely acknowledge the contributions of the team. Making sure that success is reflected in the value being delivered and that it is adopted is a key to this celebration milestone. Having the humbleness to also recognize the learning involved in reaching this step is an enriching part of the experience. The best recognition is having others, who have received the outcomes of the consulting work speak for it. Although it could be risky, if not well aligned, it could end up being the most effective way to communicate the true value of your work to your superiors.

I think it must be fun. Celebrating with the team and the Client is fun. Meet or exceed expectations and exceed on fun as well.

One of the practices that was internally adopted and was very successful is the concept of “ring the bell” What was done was for every success an organization wide communication will be made entitled “Ring the Bell”. Here, the summary of the project or success, the customer (either internal and external), objectives and deliverables achieved and the team that was part of the effort. This communication gives not only visibility to the teams but also for the peers and the management of the organization.

It is important to be aware of and acknowledge those who have supported and assisted you in your professional journey. No one travels alone on this road. While you are celebrating your success, be very mindful of these colleagues, supervisors, mentors, etc. and openly acknowledge their contribution. Also invite others to contact you for assistance to pass on knowledge and skills that you have learned. Growth occurs at all levels within the organization, and sustaining this energy can be achieved with everyone’s continued participation. Additionally, remember to personally celebrate and acknowledge your success with your family, friends, and others in your life as well as in your personal time.

Develop the willingness to stop for a moment, every two months let's say, and look back from where we are now to where we were. It is a different kind of report card - and while you do it remember it is okay to know what we know and know that we know it - as long as we remember that what we know is the short list of everything that can be known.

If your contributions are getting unnoticed then either you are really not contributing or you are contributing at the wrong place. Meaningful contributions are always noticed and recongnized provided the timing and place are right

In my experience when your work goes unnoticed, especially in management consulting crucial for career growth, take these steps: 1. Get Feedback: Request input from superiors and peers to improve and highlight your work. 2. Track Achievements: Document successes, projects, client feedback for reviews or career discussions. 3. Start Conversations: Meet superiors to align goals, contributions with company objectives to show dedication. 4. Network: Connect with colleagues, mentors to increase visibility and acknowledgment. 5. Explore Options: If unrecognized, seek roles where your efforts are valued. Persistence and clear communication are vital for recognition and appreciation at work.

Share your successes with leadership, especially when you have gone above and beyond. Meet with your leadership at least once every 2 weeks. Getting praise from client counterparts (especially in writing) will go a long way. Share ideas and perspectives on how you will handle certain situations with clients and seek leadership feedback. Keeping leadership abreast of your successes and challenges is important, especially when it comes to promotions. You need support from more than just your direct leader, so speak regularly (1x/month) with your other supporters so they can "pound the table" for you at promotion time.