What the f$*% are optics?

Have you ever heard people at work ask, “what does that person even do?” That comment always makes me cringe because it’s a symptom of a few things. Either that person is not very good at showcasing their work OR they are not really being effective in their role. No matter the reason, it’s a big issue because when the way people view you at work is not good, it means you are at risk.

Submitted for the approval of the Midday Society:

Why you should give a f$*% about optics

If someone tells you that a promotion is solely the result of hard work then they are lying to you. A big factor in a person’s career development is also how they are perceived by most, especially those in upper management. One of my favorite quotes that I live by which was stated by the great Maya Angelou is “People won’t remember what you said or did. People will remember how you made them feel”. 

This has become very clear to me in the last 2 years during the turbulent post-pandemic tech layoff era we’re in. After I was laid off from Twitter, I had an outpour of support and leads from across my network, even from people I hadn’t worked with in over a decade. Because I cared about doing good work, uplifting others with me, and making work an enjoyable experience, it’s helped me overcome some difficult times and landed me some amazing opportunities. 

I’ve also known some people throughout my career who were fantastic operators and were really efficient at getting work done, but were perceived as “challenging or difficult to work with” and this held them back from potential career growth. Optics matter. 

We have some control over how others perceive us and it’s important that we pay attention to the cues we’re giving off and learn from our experiences. 

Here are a few important points to remember to help you manage your optics: 

• Perception Shapes Opportunities: How others perceive your work ethic, abilities, and professionalism often determines the opportunities that come your way. Positive optics can lead to promotions, projects, and collaborations that foster career advancement.
• Building a Positive Reputation: Optics play a significant role in constructing your professional reputation. A positive image, cultivated through consistent quality work and effective communication, opens doors and attracts mentors, allies, and advocates.
• Visibility and Recognition: Being visible and recognized for your contributions is key to career growth. Strong optics ensure that your efforts are noticed by decision-makers, potentially leading to increased responsibilities and leadership roles.
• Influence and Networking: Optics impact your ability to influence others and build meaningful professional relationships. A positive perception can enhance your networking efforts, enabling collaborations and alliances essential for career development.
• Credibility and Trust: Establishing credibility through consistent delivery and transparent communication builds trust. Strong optics in this regard lead to being entrusted with more significant responsibilities and being seen as a reliable asset within the organization.
• Navigating Challenges Effectively: During times of adversity or challenges, maintaining positivity can demonstrate your resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. It showcases your ability to thrive in challenging situations, which is highly valued in career growth.
• Adaptability and Growth Mindset: Embracing optics encourages a growth mindset and adaptability. Being open to feedback, actively seeking improvement, and showcasing continuous learning contribute to a positive perception, fostering career growth opportunities

Showing up with intention, integrity, and kindness can really help you build strong bridges quickly in your career. When in doubt, follow this rule (as said by my friend and former boss) “Don’t be an asshole”. Celebrate your wins and bring people along for the ride..