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This seems to come up quite often and my answer is always the same: Make sure they notice you. I went years being un-noticed except during emergencies until I

This seems to come up quite often and my answer is always the same: Make sure they notice you. I went years being un-noticed except during emergencies until I learned to make sure all my accomplishments were known. This is easily done by simply informing your manager of your progress often. The thing is, managers actually -like- being informed on a weekly (or even daily!) basis! So now you're not only getting credit for how hard you work, but also getting kudos for doing such a good job with 'communication' as well. Blow your own horn a bit. It's not as taboo as you think, and your boss will actually appreciate it. (Enthusiasm is another side-effect, too. You will appear to have it, even if you don't.)

johndcook 16y ago
I heard someone use the phrase "marketing as a moral imperative." You need to let people know what you can do so they can use your skills (without being a jerk about it).
qntm 16y ago
> The thing is, managers actually -like- being informed on a weekly (or even daily!) basis! This. As a coder, I like to be left alone and allowed to focus on the same thing for long periods of time. Interruptions break my train of thought, and task switching is mentally costly. Thus, out of courtesy, I used to make a habit of leaving managers undisturbed except during designated weekly meetings or via the occasional email if something important came up. It took me a long time to realise that managers are not like coders. Being informed makes their job easier - especially when you're ahead, but especially if you're falling behind.
- wccrawford 16y ago
  That's a good point! I tend to treat others as I want to be treated, and it's hard for me to remember that that's not always best. The golden rule should be 'Do unto others as they would prefer' instead.
chc 16y ago
Not only do managers like being apprised of what's going on, but all those things you're doing to help the company also help your manager look good in meetings with his or her boss — and making the person who writes your paychecks look good is just about the best thing you can do in business, in my experience.

johndcook 16y ago

I heard someone use the phrase "marketing as a moral imperative." You need to let people know what you can do so they can use your skills (without being a jerk about it).

qntm 16y ago

> The thing is, managers actually -like- being informed on a weekly (or even daily!) basis! This. As a coder, I like to be left alone and allowed to focus on the same thing for long periods of time. Interruptions break my train of thought, and task switching is mentally costly. Thus, out of courtesy, I used to make a habit of leaving managers undisturbed except during designated weekly meetings or via the occasional email if something important came up. It took me a long time to realise that managers are not like coders. Being informed makes their job easier - especially when you're ahead, but especially if you're falling behind.

wccrawford 16y ago
That's a good point! I tend to treat others as I want to be treated, and it's hard for me to remember that that's not always best. The golden rule should be 'Do unto others as they would prefer' instead.

chc 16y ago

Not only do managers like being apprised of what's going on, but all those things you're doing to help the company also help your manager look good in meetings with his or her boss — and making the person who writes your paychecks look good is just about the best thing you can do in business, in my experience.