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CareerSteps Insights - FEBRUARY Edition

Writer: Eric FingerhutEric Fingerhut

Focus this month has been on visibility. Visibility isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being seen for the right reasons. It’s about exposure, strategic networking, and shaping your professional image so that decision-makers recognize your contributions. Without it, even the most talented professionals can go unnoticed.

In this edition, you’ll find expert advice, a client success story, practical career tips, industry insights, personal reflections, book recommendations, and answers to common questions. Let’s dive in!


Expert Advice: The Power of Visibility


Hard work alone isn’t enough to advance your career—visibility is key. If key decision-makers don’t see your impact, they can’t reward it. That’s why I hosted a webinar on The Power of Visibility, where I shared:
  • The PIE Model—why Performance, Image, and Exposure determine career success
  • How to earn and leverage Kudos Points to boost your reputation
  • Practical strategies to increase visibility without feeling self-promotional

Want to stay informed about future sessions? Subscribe to my newsletter here: careersteps.ch/subscribe


Client Success Story: From Overlooked to Promoted


One of my clients, Emily, was working tirelessly, yet she wasn’t being considered for leadership roles. She told me, “It took three people to replace me after I left my last role!” While that sounds like a compliment, it actually highlighted a visibility gap—her contributions weren’t positioned strategically.

Here’s what we changed:
  1. Shifted her mindset: Hard work is valuable, but aligning with business goals matters more.
  2. Showcased her impact: She learned how to make her contributions visible to key stakeholders.
  3. Positioned for promotion: Emily started aligning her work with the company’s strategic priorities.

The result? She’s now thriving in a leadership role. Want to position yourself for leadership?



Practical Tips: Get Noticed by Decision-Makers


Leaders who get promoted don’t just deliver results—they make their impact known. Here’s how you can do the same:✔ Share updates with your manager about your progress and wins.✔ Build relationships with stakeholders beyond your immediate team.✔ Speak up in meetings to share ideas and solutions.

Visibility isn’t bragging—it’s about ensuring your hard work leads to real opportunities.

Ready to take the next step? Join an upcoming workshop: careersteps.ch/event-list


Industry Insights: The Skills Leaders Look For


Promotion isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it. Here are the six areas leaders evaluate when considering candidates for leadership roles:

  • Strategic Thinking – Align your work with organizational priorities.
  • Emotional Intelligence – Build trust and manage relationships effectively.
  • Attitude – Show resilience, ownership, and positivity under pressure.
  • Self-awareness – Know your strengths and work on your blind spots.
  • Results – Demonstrate measurable impact and value.
  • Visibility – Ensure key stakeholders recognize your contributions.

Where do you stand in these six areas? Take my free leadership readiness assessment here: careersteps.ch/assessment


Personal Reflections: Staying True to Your Leadership Style


Years ago, a manager told me, “You are a servant leader—you will never make it to an executive position.”

At that moment, I had a choice:
  • I could have adjusted my leadership style to fit a more traditional, hierarchical approach.
  • I could have forced my way into executive roles by playing a different game.
  • But instead, I chose to stay true to my values.

It took longer. It wasn’t the fastest path. But ultimately, I proved that servant leadership is not a weakness—it’s a strength.

Many emerging leaders feel pressured to conform to outdated leadership norms. But the best leaders don’t just rise to the top—they change the definition of leadership itself.

Are you leading in a way that aligns with your values? Let’s talk.  careersteps.ch/contact


Book and Resource Recommendations


Throughout my coaching this month, I realized a lot of emerging leaders are not familiar with the classics of leadership literature. These books have shaped my own leadership philosophy, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking to develop strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and career visibility:

📖 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey – A must-read for building habits that enhance leadership presence.
📖 Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson et al. – Master the art of high-stakes communication in the workplace.
📖 Empower Yourself: The Organizational Game Revealed by Harvey Coleman – Understand how the PIE Model influences career success.

Which book has impacted your leadership journey? Reply and let me know!


Q&A: Answering Your Career Questions


Q: What’s one simple way to start building strategic thinking skills?

A: Start asking “What’s the goal behind this task?” instead of just completing it. Strategic leaders think ahead, anticipate challenges, and connect their work to bigger business goals.

Got a career question? Hit reply, and I’ll answer it in the next edition!


Conclusion & Call to Action


📅 Upcoming Events:
  • March 10: Negotiation Workshop (Nyon) – Prepare for your next career-defining conversation.
  • March 20: Free webinar: Manage Your Boss – Learn how to build strong relationships with your manager, align expectations, and get the support you need to thrive.

Spots are limited—register here for the event in Nyon, and here for my online webinar
Promotions don’t happen by chance—they happen by choice. Take action, build your leadership presence, and step into new opportunities.

📩 If this newsletter resonated with you, share it with a friend who’s ready to take their career to the next level. See you next month!

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