What do you do if your technological innovation accomplishments are not getting noticed by your superiors?

1 Assess your communication skills

If your technical achievements are not getting the recognition they deserve from your superiors, it could be because you are not communicating them effectively. Even if you have impressive technical skills, it's important to be able to explain the value and impact of your work to a non-technical audience. To improve your communication skills, you should first understand their goals, challenges, and expectations and tailor your message accordingly. Additionally, define the main objective and key points of your communication, and decide on the most appropriate channel and format for your message. You can also use visuals, data, stories, and examples to support your message and make it memorable. By doing so, you can persuade your superiors that your work is important and relevant to them.

2 Seek feedback and mentorship

You may assume that your technological innovation accomplishments are enough to get noticed by your superiors, but this isn't always the case. Seeking feedback and mentorship from them can help you in numerous ways. For instance, you can learn from your mistakes, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and discover new opportunities for growth. Additionally, it can help you build relationships with your superiors, benefit from their experience and wisdom, and showcase your work. Furthermore, requesting feedback and mentorship creates an opportunity to highlight your achievements, challenges, and solutions. You can also ask for their opinions, suggestions, and recommendations. Ultimately, feedback and mentorship can help you improve your performance and demonstrate that you are open to learning and growing.

3 Align your work with organizational goals

Your technological innovation accomplishments may not be getting noticed by your superiors due to a lack of alignment with organizational goals. While you may have great ideas and solutions, they need to fit the vision, mission, and strategy of the organization in order to get the recognition they deserve. To ensure your work is aligned with organizational goals, you should understand the big picture of the organization, connect the dots between your work and the organization's objectives, and demonstrate the results of your work. This includes learning about the core values, principles, and priorities of your organization, explaining how your work contributes to its vision, mission, and strategy, and measuring and reporting on the outcomes and impacts of your work.

4 Expand your network and visibility

If your technological innovation accomplishments are not getting noticed by your superiors, it may be because you are not expanding your network and visibility. To increase your chances of showcasing your skills, knowledge, and potential, you should engage with your colleagues by participating in team meetings, projects, and events. You should also engage with your stakeholders and understand their needs and expectations. Additionally, you should engage with your industry by following trends and developments, reading relevant sources of information, and attending conferences or other platforms. Connecting with influencers, experts, and mentors in your industry can also help expand your network and visibility.

5 Be proactive and confident

A fifth reason why your technological innovation accomplishments are not getting noticed by your superiors is that you are not being proactive and confident. To be proactive and confident, you must recognize your value, acknowledge your skills, knowledge, and achievements, and remind yourself of your strengths, successes, and contributions. Additionally, you must assert your needs by expressing and advocating for them, as well as asking for feedback, recognition, support, or promotion. Furthermore, you must take action by taking initiative and responsibility for your work and career. Moreover, you should seek opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate. Finally, you must challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and take risks while embracing failures as learning opportunities.