In many mid-sized and large companies, optics—how you’re perceived—play a huge role in your career progression. While doing good work is important, it only gets you so far; success also depends on how you present yourself and how well you understand your company’s inner workings. Shreyas Doshi explains that this comes down to three main areas: content, confidence, and context.
Content is the work itself—your ideas, problem-solving skills, and your impact on the business. Confidence is how you show up—whether you come across as someone who can handle tough tasks and lead effectively. Finally, context is how well you understand your company’s culture, power structures, and key players.
If you’re strong in just one of these areas but struggle with the others, you may find yourself stuck at a certain level, no matter how talented you are. Shreyas Doshi emphasizes that to move into higher leadership roles, like director or VP, you must be strong in at least two dimensions without falling behind in the third. This helps explain why some people get promoted even if they don’t seem to be the most competent—they often excel in confidence and context.
Excelling at work isn’t just about the results you deliver but also how others perceive your impact. Optics play a major role in how you’re viewed across these three areas, and mastering that perception is key to unlocking new career opportunities.
So, how do you know where you stand in terms of content, confidence, and context? A simple self-reflection exercise can help you get a clearer picture of how you’re perceived and where you might need to improve. Doing this before your quarterly review is a great way to prepare and show up more confidently for the discussion. Take time to think carefully through the last quarter, and jot down anything that stands out—both the wins and the areas you could have handled differently.
This reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. You’ll be better equipped to continue growing and positioning yourself for new opportunities by evaluating yourself honestly. Here’s a simple framework to guide your reflection. While self-reflection is powerful, seeking feedback from peers or mentors can provide a fuller picture of how you’re perceived. Consider asking trusted colleagues for their honest insights on your strengths and areas for growth.
Self-reflection exercise
Content – What have you done?
This section is about the insights and ideas you bring to the table, your problem-solving skills, and the results you deliver. Think about both short-term wins and long-term business impact.
- How have your ideas or solutions addressed complex problems or unmet needs?
- What specific impact have your ideas or solutions had on the team or the company?
- How has your work influenced key business metrics or advanced strategic goals?
- In what ways have you raised the bar or driven innovation through your contributions?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and jot down any thoughts or notes that come to mind.
Confidence – How do you show up?
Confidence is about the image you project at work. It’s how others perceive your ability to handle tough tasks and how you communicate. Do you come across as someone who could lead?
- How do you feel when communicating your ideas or leading a project?
- Do people trust you to tackle difficult challenges?
- How would your peers or leaders describe your presence in meetings or decision-making?
- When others see you in action, do they view you as someone who can lead confidently and handle responsibility?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and jot down any thoughts or notes that come to mind.
Context – How well do you read the room?
This is about understanding the company’s culture, power structures, and what makes key players tick. It’s about adapting your approach based on your environment.
- How well do you understand the key players and decision-makers in your company?
- Have you adjusted your approach to align with the preferences or quirks of leadership?
- How do you adapt your communication style to different personalities or biases?
- How effectively do you navigate your company’s culture and power dynamics?
Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and jot down any thoughts or notes that come to mind.
Considerations
It’s important to note that not everyone is focused on moving up in their career. Some designers prefer to deepen their expertise and make an impact within their current role without necessarily aiming for leadership positions. Regardless of your goals, understanding how you’re perceived can help you make intentional choices about how you contribute and where you grow.
While mastering optics is key to career progression, remaining authentic to your values is also important. Balancing how you’re perceived by staying true to your strengths and personal style will help you find fulfillment in your role and empower you to be confident in your unique contributions, regardless of external expectations. You shouldn’t have to change who you are to get ahead—if optics are important to you, it’s about finding the intersection between being yourself and demonstrating your value in a way that resonates with others.
Even if promotion isn’t your primary goal, improving your mastery of content, confidence, and context can enhance your effectiveness, influence, and satisfaction. It’s not just about moving up; it’s about growing and contributing meaningfully.
Self-awareness is at the core of improving content, confidence, and context. Regular self-reflection helps you understand how others see you and uncovers opportunities for continuous personal and professional growth. If you’re looking to strengthen any of these areas, here are a few practical tips:
- For content: Focus on delivering measurable results and actively seek feedback on your ideas.
- For confidence: Practice public speaking or seek opportunities to lead small projects to build your leadership presence.
- For context: Spend time observing your company’s culture and power structures and ask trusted peers for their insights.
Remember, success at work isn’t just about what you achieve but also how you’re seen. Use this exercise to reflect, grow, and project the professional image you want to build.