There are some jobs where success is simply about not failing. Take driving a bus, for instance: if you get through your day without an accident, without upsetting passengers, and without running late, then you’ve done your job well. However, success is measured differently in other roles, especially in IT.

In IT, we often gauge our success by the absence of problems. We consider it a win if systems are running smoothly and the network stays up. IT security is another example where success is often defined by what doesn’t happen—no breaches, leaks, or disasters.

The Invisible IT Department: When Success Means Staying Under the Radar

In some companies, especially those where IT isn’t the core of the business, the IT department is practically invisible. If everything works as it should and employees can do their jobs without tech issues, IT has done its job. Nicholas Carr talked about this kind of thinking in his Harvard Business Review article, “IT Doesn’t Matter.” Carr argued that IT is increasingly judged by its reliability and cost, not groundbreaking innovations.

While I won’t dive into the debate about Carr’s views here, there’s something important to note: even when IT’s success is defined by the absence of failure, individual success within the IT team is measured differently. Your success isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about improving things.

It’s Not Just About Keeping Things Running—It’s About Improvement

If you’re responsible for IT infrastructure, you’re not just expected to maintain the status quo. Senior managers and executives want to see progress—improvements in reliability, cost efficiency, or overall performance. If everything stays the same under your watch, you might be seen as failing, even if the IT department as a whole is considered successful.

There is one exception: if you’re facing a significant increase in challenges and still manage to maintain the same level of performance, that’s an achievement. Think of it like defending an outpost; if the number of attackers doubles and you still hold the line, you succeed. But there’s a catch: people need to recognize the increased difficulty of your task. This can be tricky because IT struggles aren’t always visible to the rest of the business. For example, IT security teams might be seen as failing even when they’re fending off a massive increase in cyberattacks.

Proving Your Value: Show How You’re Making a Difference

To be recognized as a contributor, you need to clearly demonstrate your achievements. Show how things are better because of your efforts and how they would be worse without you. It’s not enough to do your job well—you need to ensure others understand the value you’re bringing to the table.

And remember, you can’t rest on your laurels. Past successes won’t keep you recognized in the future. You need to keep proving your worth and continually strive to improve.

Conclusion: Success Is More Than Just Avoiding Failure

In some jobs, success might be about avoiding failure, but true success means more in IT. It’s not enough to keep things running smoothly; you need to make a tangible, positive impact. Strive to improve, innovate, and demonstrate your value every step of the way. That’s how you’ll stand out and achieve real success in your career.