Understanding Performance

Performance relates directly to how well you fulfill your job responsibilities. While this aspect seems straightforward, it’s surprising to learn that only a fraction of your success is based on tangible results. To grasp this fully, we must delve into the other two dimensions of the PIE chart.

Exploring Image

This aspect pertains to the impression you convey to others—essentially, your personal brand. Consider these questions:

• Do others perceive you as self-assured?
• Do you exhibit an executive demeanor?
• Are you recognized as a positive and energetic individual?
• Do you radiate calmness or tension?
• Are you viewed as a collaborative team member?

These characteristics do not reflect the actual quality of your work but rather how you are perceived, often subconsciously. Regardless of whether you actively manage this image, people form opinions about you.

Examining Exposure

The final piece, which accounts for a significant 60% of the equation, highlights the importance of your network. Your success often hinges on who you know and, more importantly, who knows you.

Having prior interactions with key figures, such as recruitment managers, can give you a substantial edge in job interviews, particularly if you've been referred. Being memorable to a CEO after presenting a project or simply engaging in conversations during breaks can serve as a competitive advantage. In today's digital age, hiring managers frequently review your LinkedIn connections to assess your professional visibility.

The Evidence from Experience

In my career, I have interviewed and promoted numerous individuals. My decisions were often influenced more by what I knew about candidates, their referrals, and my overall impression of them rather than solely on their documented performance metrics. Unfortunately, implicit biases also play a role in how we assess candidates, often leading us to draw conclusions based on appearance, age, or gender.

It's clear that the traditional wisdom of quietly working hard is not enough for career progression. To foster growth, you must actively cultivate your personal brand and build a meaningful network that will support you when opportunities arise.

By making yourself visible to the right individuals for the right reasons, you can shift the odds in your favor.

“I write to right” — Veronica Llorca-Smith

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For those looking to establish a strong personal brand and reinvent themselves, consider checking out my ebook on Amazon for further insights.