3 Simple Questions to Make Sure Your Value Is Undeniable at Work
Can you answer them?
According to research by Bonusly and Achievers, 63% of professionals feel unappreciated at work daily, with 39% feeling completely unrecognized.
Sure, systemic issues, culture gaps, and management blind spots play a role. But here’s the truth: doing great work isn’t enough. The real difference between being respected and being overlooked? It’s how you position your value at work.
When someone asks, "What do you do?"—most people default to job titles and a long list of responsibilities. Big mistake. Generic answers leave your true expertise invisible. But this question is actually a golden opportunity. It's your moment to connect the dots between what you do and what they need. And when you get it right? You shift how you’re seen, respected, and valued at work.
To make your value undeniable, you need to be crystal clear on these three essential questions:
1. When someone says my name, what quality do I want to be known for at work?
This is that signature quality people immediately associate with you when they hear your name, see your email in their inbox, or watch you in action. It’s the quality that makes people sit up, pay attention, and remember you.
Maybe it's agility, negotiation prowess, innovative thinking, decisive leadership, or operational excellence. Whatever it is, this isn't just about what you do well—it's about what makes your approach distinctive and unforgettable.
Knowing your quality lets you showcase it consistently, creating a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression. Think about it: When people describe you to others who haven't met you yet, what single quality do you want them to highlight? That's your reputation cornerstone. Own it and make it unmistakable.
2. What expertise do I want to be known for?
Your expertise is what sets you apart. While your reputation is about how you do your work, your expertise is about what specific value you deliver. It's that thing you do or know that:
Solves problems others struggle with
Advances important initiatives
Provides insights few others can offer
Gets the work done better than anyone else
This isn't about claiming expertise in everything—it's about clearly defining where you truly excel. It’s your superpower. Define it. Demonstrate it. Make sure everyone knows when to call on you.
The most successful professionals don't try to be everything to everyone. They develop recognized expertise in specific areas that matter to their organization and industry. (Not sure how to define that kind of focused expertise? This article breaks down how the most successful people at work do it.) What's yours?
3. What do I need to be known for in the moment?
You can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to communicating your value. That’s why traditional branding advice falls short. A branding statement or memorized elevator pitch just won’t cut it. What matters most isn’t everything you’ve done. You’ve got to focus on what’s relevant to the conversation, issue, or project. That’s how you shift from reciting your resume to reinforcing your value. It’s all about reading the room and matching your message to the situation.
The reality is, different people value different things. Your job is to figure out what matters most in the moment and lead with that. It’s not about being someone else—it’s about communicating the right aspects of your work, responsibilities, experience, unique insights and past results, at the right time.
Why This Approach Changes Everything
When you have clarity on these three questions, everything works better. People see your value clearly—no more guesswork, misunderstandings, or wasted effort. And when you get this right, every interaction—whether it’s an introduction, a conversation, or the content you share—becomes an opportunity to reinforce your value. If you’re winging your credibility in these moments, here’s how to fix that. They trust your judgment and confidently involve you in high-impact projects. That clarity makes every interaction more productive, impactful, and meaningful.
If You Lead a Team, You’re Not Done Yet
If you lead a team, your work isn’t done yet. There’s one more question you need to ask: “What do I want my team to be known for?” Once you’re clear on that, guide your team through the same three questions. This alignment creates a powerful collective brand that reflects your leadership. And there’s strength in numbers—if you need help, I’ve got a workshop just for that. Find out more.
So, What Are You Going To Be Known For?
When your colleagues think about you, they shouldn’t just know your name—they should know exactly what you bring to the table. Are you showing up with the clarity that drives recognition, trust, and collaboration?
It’s time to own your value, speak it clearly, and make sure everyone knows you’re the one they need to work with.
What will you choose to be known for at work? Remember, branding works when you do the work. Ready to make your value undeniable? Let's talk.
📌Now I am curious
Which question is the easiest one for you to answer? Let me know in the comments below 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
BTW… Have Checked Your Brand At Work Score Yet?
Find out if your brand at work is helping you get the recognition, respect, and rewards you deserve. Take this 5-minute assessment to get a personalized report that shows exactly where to focus, and what to do next. Remember - the branded wheel gets the grease!
Brilliant as always!