Susan M. Barber - The Visibility Factor

Praise for The Visibility Factor

Being and staying visible in the workplace of today is challenging. Susan Barbers new book, The Visibility Factor , provides actionable tools and relatable stories so you can be authentically you and stay visible in your organization. Infused with compassion, heart and soul, The Visibility Factor , is the book you need if you are ready to elevate your leadership and impact within your company.

Carson Tate, author of Own It. Love It. Make it Work .

Too many times I see leaders playing small due to their own fears. Through her personal experience as well as those clients she has coached, Susan M. Barber provides the reader with a process to identify and go beyond those limiting beliefs. Her stories resonate because they are what we have all experienced in our careers and lives. Even the most adept leaders have had an experience where they stepped back because they didnt think they were enough. Susans 4-step process can help even the most reticent reader step into their authentic self.

Lynn P. Sontag, CEO and Owner, Menttium Corporation

An inspirational guide written by a seasoned leadership coach on how to make a visible impact at a company and be seen for your true talent.

Kelley Bruemmer, VP of Merchandising and Design, Peepers

It is often said that we teach what it is we need to learn. Susan Barber has reinvented herself as the foremost leading expert on creating visibility in the workplace. Each chapter of her book is packed with inspirational stories and new ideas for creating more visibility, not only the workplace but your life. As a coach who works with executives, Ill be gifting my clients with this book. Its a must read!

Karen Davis, Executive Coach and coauthor of How to Get the Most Out of Coaching, A Clients Guide for Optimizing the Coaching Experience

Susan Barbers The Visibility Factor creates a welcoming virtual coach experience for each reader to successfully step out of the shadows to build their confidence, showcase their value and go after the career of their dreams! She masterfully shares stories that illustrate why hard work will only take you so far. If you are ready for your authentic value and capabilities to be visible and rewarded, then read this book and discover how to be seen for all that you offer!

Mary Tess Rooney, Author of Heart Value and Host of True Stride Podcast

An inspiring read regardless of level in an organization - whether just starting out, looking to take the next step or in a leadership role. Written with honesty, personal experience, research and reflection....a must read!

Peggy Plohg, Director, Organization Effectiveness, Molex

The Visibility Factor helps leaders learn how to be visible, improve visibility to their team, their management, and up the ladder. I wish I had had this book in my reference library from the moment I graduated college as I went into the business world. I had many aha moments as I read the book where I could see the missed opportunities and missteps in my career that this book would have helped me to avoid. A great read and applicable to all levels of leadership!

Mona Reiser, Chief Operating Officer, Access Education Holding Corp.

The Visibility Factor:

Break Through Your Fears, Stand in Your Own Power and Become the Authentic Leader You Were Meant to Be

Copyright 2021 Susan M. Barber.

All rights reserved. No part or any portion of this book may be reproduced in any form, mechanical or digital, or transmitted without the prior written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

This book is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is the intent of the author to provide general knowledge and helpful information on the subjects discussed to assist readers in their quest for greater understanding and utilization of the ideas, thoughts and principles presented. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation.

ISBN-13: 978-1-7376104-4-1(Trade Paperback)

ISBN-13: 978-1-7376104-6-5 (Digital Online)

ISBN-13: 978-1-7376104-2-7 (Audio File)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021914571

Cover and Book Design by CB Messer

Cover Photography depositphotos.com/3dconceptsman

Edited by Zo Bird

Proofread by KellyAnn Bessa

Printed in the United States of America.

First printing edition 2021

Susan M. Barber

P.O. Box 913

Lake Villa, IL 60046

https://susanmbarber.com

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

To my parents, my angels up in heaven who watch over me and all that I do: I know that the lessons I have learned along the way started with you. I am using my voice just like you encouraged me to do. I hope you are watching from the stands. Miss you both.

Contents

Introduction

Elise looked around as she closed her managers door. She was so close to tears, she prayed that no one else was in the hall.

Kim, her manager, had called Elise in to give her feedback before everyone left for the Christmas holiday. Elise was stunned at what she had been toldthat the promotion which had been dangled in front of her for months would not happen after all. The feedback had been harsh, and Elise felt as if she couldnt succeed in this role no matter what changes she made. She was blindsided. Who calls somebody in right before they leave for the Christmas holiday and says all that? Kim is the Grinch, and her heart is definitely three sizes too small! I dont understand her at all. She isnt happy unless everyone else is miserable! That morning, Elise had been filled with so much excitement when she thought about leaving the next day to see her family. Now she felt like Rudolph did when the other reindeer discovered his red nosealone and abandoned because he didnt fit in. No one could cheer him up in that moment, and Elise felt the same.

Elise couldnt wait to get out of the building at the end of the day; she probably should have left right after that conversation happened. Her body was in the rest of the days meetings, but her mind was somewhere else. She couldnt focus on anything but what her boss had said to her, and vacillated from anger at Kim to disappointment in herself. She left the building and blended in among the other commuters as she walked to catch her bus, her mind replaying the conversation from earlier in the day. How on earth will I deal with this ? How will I face her after vacation?

As she boarded the bus, all the concerns shed had when she accepted her current, global role two years before flooded back over her. Elise had known it would be a challenge to work for Kim, who was smart and politically astute but had a reputation as a control freak and a micromanager. Prior to their working together, Elise had considered Kim a friend, so she didnt think Kim would act that way toward her. Instead, Elise saw how successful Kim was and couldnt wait to learn from her. She could see how this role would provide the exposure to senior management that she needed and the international perspective that she had always wanted.

However, a few months into the role, Elise realized that Kims reputation couldnt compare to the reality. It was worse than she could have ever imagined. How can she be viewed as successful when she manipulates and controls everyone like puppets? Although Elise tried to build her own visibility, Kim wanted to be the star of the show. She was insecure and uninterested in an understudy who might take her part away. The spotlight had to be on her, or she would find a way to take it. She criticized the people on her team publicly and privately. Elise wasnt allowed to make any decisions, and she had to have Kims approval on everything she did. Most days, Elise walked on eggshells because she never knew whether the good Kim or the bad Kim would show up. This environment caused Elise to second-guess all her decisions, and she lost her confidence.