You’re Being Watched – and Judged – Every Day

We tend to think of promotions as something you apply for. You submit a CV, attend the interview, and get formally offered the new role. But in the world of finance leadership, many of the most important promotions begin long before you get the title and often without your knowledge.

These are the invisible promotions. The career-defining shifts that begin when someone notices how you operate. When a senior leader observes how you handle a challenge. When your consistency, curiosity, or judgement is quietly recognised by someone who supports your advancement.

Whether you realise it or not, your career is being shaped in conversations you are not part of. How you show up in everyday matters more than you think, particularly in moments when no one appears to be watching.

The Power of Being Observed Informally

In most organisations, formal performance reviews and promotion processes are only part of the story. Behind the scenes, informal discussions about leadership potential, succession planning, and strategic resourcing happen regularly.

Your name might be mentioned in these discussions not because you applied for a new role, but because someone noticed you. They remembered how you managed a difficult project. They observed your ability to remain calm under pressure. Or they were impressed by how clearly you communicated during a key presentation.

These moments rarely come with recognition or immediate rewards. Yet they plant the seeds that grow into real opportunities later on.

Careers Are Built in the Everyday

Many finance professionals believe that career progress comes from major wins. They expect recognition to follow large projects, high-impact results, or standout innovations.

But the truth is that most careers are built on the ordinary, consistent delivery of good work. Are you dependable? Do you follow through? Do you communicate professionally even under pressure? Do you take ownership when something goes wrong?

Your daily habits form your professional reputation. Over time, people begin to associate your name with reliability, sound judgement, and constructive input. This reputation becomes your foundation for career growth. It is what makes colleagues and senior leaders trust you, even before a formal opportunity arises.

Leadership Potential Shows When You Least Expect It

People often show their true leadership qualities when no one is asking them to. How you respond to a colleague’s mistake, how you support a team under pressure, or how you react when a meeting goes off track can say more about your potential than anything written in a CV.

Leadership is observed in these unscripted moments. It is seen when you treat everyone with respect, when you ask thoughtful questions, and when you contribute meaningfully without needing recognition. These are the behaviours that leaders remember. They form the impressions that shape succession discussions and internal referrals.

It is not unusual for finance leaders to advocate for someone simply because they have observed consistent professionalism, calm decision-making, and a proactive mindset.

Informal Influence Comes First

Most promotions, especially in leadership roles, are preceded by a period of informal influence. A senior leader may begin asking for your opinion more often. You may be asked to lead meetings or present to stakeholders. These responsibilities do not always come with new titles or changes to your pay slip, but they indicate that people are beginning to see you as a leader.

If you handle these opportunities well, they lead to formal recognition in time. What started as informal trust becomes an endorsement for more senior responsibilities. This is the essence of an invisible promotion. It happens gradually, based on how others experience you in real-time.

What This Means for Aspiring CFOs

If you are aiming to step into a senior finance role, recognising the importance of invisible promotions is essential. Technical knowledge and qualifications are important, but they are not enough on their own.

How you behave daily, matters. Do you help others succeed? Do you ask good questions? Do you own your mistakes and share credit for wins? These actions build trust and respect.

People remember how you make them feel in meetings. They notice your tone in emails. They observe how you respond when something goes wrong. These details may feel small, but they form the basis for future opportunities.

Leadership begins before the job title arrives. It starts with how you conduct yourself when there is no spotlight on you.

Creating a Culture That Supports Invisible Growth

For organisations, it is important to recognise that these invisible promotions are not accidental. They are the result of a culture where leaders are present, observant, and committed to supporting potential.

Finance teams should encourage leaders to pay attention to quiet contributors, to coach without waiting for formal programmes, and to notice leadership emerging in unexpected places. This helps ensure that opportunities are given to those who are truly ready, not just those who are most visible.

It is also important to make sure recognition is inclusive. People from different backgrounds, personalities, and communication styles all show leadership in different ways. A culture of observation allows more people to be noticed, not just those who speak the loudest or stand out immediately.

Final Reflections

Not all promotions come with a formal application process. Many of the most meaningful career advancements begin quietly. They start with how others perceive your behaviour, your consistency and your influence.

This is both a challenge and a powerful opportunity. It means every interaction, every project, and every meeting. Even when it feels routine or unnoticed, you are creating a reputation that will carry you forward.

So, the next time you wonder whether your quiet efforts are making a difference, remember this. They are. And they may already be shaping your next promotion.

You’re Being Watched – and Judged – Every Day