From Overlooked to Outstanding: How to Showcase Your Unique Value

Have You Ever Felt Invisible as a Leader? Here’s How to Stand Out Without Trying to be Someone You’re Not.

Have you ever felt like your hard work and contributions go unnoticed? Like you’re doing everything right but still fading into the background? It’s frustrating—and it’s more common than you think.

The truth is, standing out as a leader isn’t about working harder or being louder. It’s about owning what makes you different and helping others see the value you bring.

It’s a lesson I learned the hard way early in my career. And once I figured it out, everything changed.

My Wake-Up Call

Early in my career at McKinsey & Company, I felt exactly like this. As a behavioral scientist, I was a “nontraditional hire” surrounded by colleagues with MBAs. I worked tirelessly to adapt—to think like them, problem-solve like them, even speak like them.

But despite my best efforts, my first performance review told a very clear story: it wasn’t working.

I was devastated. Trying to be like everyone else wasn’t just exhausting—it wasn’t helping my team, my clients, or my career.

I needed to make a change—and fast.

The Moment Everything Changed

That’s when it hit me: the team didn’t need another MBA. They needed what I uniquely brought to the table. My background as a behavioral scientist gave me a fresh perspective and a data-driven approach to problem-solving that no one else on the team had.

When I stopped trying to fit in and started leaning into my strengths, everything shifted. I used experiments and systematic thinking to uncover solutions that delivered real value.

But here’s the key: value doesn’t speak for itself.

To help my colleagues recognize what I was contributing, I used an intentional strategy rooted in a psychological principle called priming.

For example, I’d frame my ideas as “creative” or “innovative” solutions. I’d say things like, “Here’s an innovative way we could approach this…” At first, it felt repetitive. But over time, something amazing happened.

Those same words—“innovative” and “creative”—started showing up in conversations and performance reviews.

Colleagues began seeking my input specifically for my “creative solutions” and “innovative approaches.” What I thought was a weakness became my greatest strength—and it’s a lesson I’ve carried with me ever since:

Your unique value only matters if others can see it.

What’s at Stake If You Don’t Stand Out

If you keep trying to blend in or work harder, you risk stalling your career. You risk being overlooked, undervalued, and stuck in frustration. But when you own what makes you different and intentionally communicate it, you unlock opportunities, recognition, and growth.

A Simple Plan to Stand Out

If you’re ready to stop fading into the background and start being seen for the value you bring, here’s how to get started:

1️⃣ Identify Your Edge:
What’s the skill, perspective, or strength that makes you uniquely valuable? Write it down. Need help? Download my free “Find Your Edge” workbook to uncover your strengths and turn them into a career advantage.

2️⃣ Prime Your Audience:
Use intentional language to highlight your strengths consistently. For example, if you want to be known for “strategic thinking,” find ways to weave that into how you describe your work.

3️⃣ Demonstrate Your Value:
Words matter, but so do actions. Look for opportunities to apply your edge to solve problems, support your team, and drive results.

What’s Next for You?

Standing out as a leader doesn’t mean shouting or showing off. It means being intentional about owning your strengths and helping others see them. When you do, you create opportunities and transform how others perceive you.

Ready to uncover what makes you stand out and unlock new leadership opportunities? Start with my free Find Your Edge Workbook and subscribe to Practical Perspectives for actionable strategies you can use today. In the first issue, I dive deeper into the concept of priming and how to make your strengths visible. Read it here—no sign-up required.

What makes you stand out as a leader? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story.