28/10/2025
Stop normalizing the culture of rewarding only the loud, the outspoken and the always-visible employees.🌱
In many workplaces, recognition is often tied to visibility, to those who speak up in meetings, post achievements on social media, or constantly present themselves as “go-getters.” But what about the quiet ones? The ones who show up every day, doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes, making sure that the system runs smoothly? Just because someone isn’t loud doesn’t mean they’re not leading in their own way.
There are people who work quietly but consistently, those who double-check the reports, organize the data, ensure deadlines are met and help their colleagues without expecting any credit. They may not crave attention but they are the backbone of any organization. Their silence doesn’t mean disinterest; often, it means focus. Their calmness doesn’t mean passivity; it means stability.
Yet in the noise-driven culture of modern workplaces, their efforts are too often overlooked. The narrative becomes: “If we don’t see it, it doesn’t exist.” But that’s not true. Leadership, creativity and dedication take many forms and the most powerful impact sometimes happens quietly, without fanfare.
We must redefine what it means to “stand out.” Visibility shouldn’t be the only currency of success. Recognition should also belong to those who are thoughtful, dependable and humble, the ones who solve problems silently, mentor others privately, and build foundations that others stand on.
If we only reward the loud, we discourage depth. We teach people that noise matters more than substance. But real progress happens when we value balance, when we listen not just to those who speak, but also to those whose actions do the talking.
So here’s a reminder to every leader: Look beyond the spotlight. Some of your best people are not the ones talking, they’re the ones quietly making sure everything works.
-GalawangFrancisco