We live in a world focused on the spotlight.
A world where being seen often matters more than having real talent or knowledge.
Where people will rather applaud you for what you show them instead of recognising your true abilities.
A world where everyone wants to be the poster child—the face on the billboards.
Everyone wants to be the face of the win.
The one tagged in the social media post,
The one quoted in meetings.
The one who walks up to the mic when the crowd is clapping.
But while the poster boys pose for the pictures,
There is another tribe.
The quieter one.
One who prefers the engine room to the stage.
One that does the deep work while others prepare for their spotlight.
They are the coders whose lines built the launch – especially in this tech age.
They are the assistants who caught the details no one else noticed.
They are the planners, the editors, the fixers, the thinkers.
The backbench heroes.
They don’t wear suits that sparkle.
They rarely get tagged in company social media posts.
They are not front and centre, but they are always essential.
They carry the weight while others carry the microphone.
They are not praised in public or at company events, but they protect the process.
They don’t trend.
And the truth?
These are the people who keep the organisation from falling apart.
They show up.
Day after day,
Working in silence, without the need for a parade.
Yet, in countless companies, communities and even families,
What gets rewarded are the things that get noticed.
Many companies measure contributions by how loud or visible they are.
And the rewards always go to the flash, but not the function.
The front-facing roles get the recognition, the nods, the salary bumps, the seat at the table.
While the backbone—the quiet brilliance holding it all up— remains hidden in plain sight.
It is an injustice that has become so familiar that we don’t flinch anymore.
Some motivational speakers might even tell you to do things that get you noticed, and not necessarily what matters.
They can tell you that promotions come faster for those who can act well in a room.
Even if someone else built the room they are standing in.
Of course, some backbench heroes climb.
They can get promoted too.
When they do, it is often in silence.
No confetti. No keynote.
No nameplate in the newsletter.
And still, they show up.
Because some people are not doing it for the applause.
They are doing it because it matters.
So here are the uncomfortable questions:
Would you rather be adored for what you represent?
Or
Would you prefer being respected for what you truly contribute?
Would you rather stand in the light?
Or
Would you prefer to be the reason the lights stay on?
Being the poster boy comes with perks—
But it’s often a borrowed legacy, a shared credit.
And when the curtain falls,
It’s the backbench hero who is already planning the next move.
So, which one are you becoming?
The face of every win?
Or
The force behind every success?
The choice is ultimately yours.
**Disclaimer:**
I ended up revising this post from my original draft—not because the core message changed, but to avoid any unintended assumptions about a particular company. That said, if they do happen to see this, I hope it sparks some reflection—and maybe even better decisions for their team.
I am not saying being the poster boy is a bad thing.
If that is your lane, shine on.
Take the spotlight, smile for the cameras, and let the applause fuel you.
It is a gift to be able to stand in front and carry that image with confidence.
I am also not saying that being the quiet brain working behind the curtain is the one true ideal, either.
Because, truthfully, sometimes the person behind the scenes is not some wise mastermind sipping tea with deep philosophies.
Sometimes it is just someone running on coffee and deadlines.
And who just happened to figure out the right answer at the right time.
Sitting on a fence sometimes comes with its own risk.
One of which can be the same thing that happened to Humpty Dumpty – while sitting on a wall.
What I know for sure is this:
Sometimes, the truest strength isn’t in being seen. It is in knowing you don’t need to be.
-The Juggling Prawn
I believe in what I believe in.
And if that doesn’t make sense to anyone else—that’s fine.
It wasn’t a group project anyway.
Peace ✌️.
Beautifully written and accurate.
This post sums up not only the vast majority of organisations but also the people we meet in our everyday life.
There’s nothing wrong with those who choose to be in the spotlight, it’s great, it shows confidence, right? But it’s important with don’t judge or misunderstand these people because often you will find they are in the spotlight because they are seeking validation, they lack confidence in themselves (in some cases, not all)
I’m here for the background folk, who are important, who are worth the time and investment, who contribute so others can achieve their goals. I’m a supporting act and I take great pleasure from helping others gain their spotlight, that’s how I measure my self worth and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Honestly, i’ll rather be the force behind every success.
And I honestly agree with you 🤩
This spoke volumes in so few words. A quiet reminder that not all heroes need the mic. Thank you. 🙏
Poster boy has chakammed it to HR 😂
🤣
Poster boy has chakammed it to HR 😂
This is an issue of the reward system of an organisation. Poster boys only last for a period. As time goes on the organisation recognises the real power behind the throne.
In my experience, poster boys don’t make good chief executives because they don’t recognise real talents.
Nice write up!
Our true abilities go beyond what is seen… they lie in what we believe, pursue, and persist in and I hope the world soon realizes that choosing the poster boy over the quiet backbench hero often overlooks the true strength, resilience, and brilliance that thrives in silence. Visibility doesn’t always equal value.
I’m glad you saw the point. And I totally agree with you
Nice write up!
Our true abilities go beyond what is seen… they lie in what we believe, pursue, and persist in and I hope the world soon realizes that choosing the poster boy over the quiet backbench hero often overlooks the true strength, resilience, and brilliance that thrives in silence. Visibility doesn’t always equal value.
Nice writeup Prawns!
I love being behind the scene — not because I don’t like the spotlight. But because I want to craft the magic from where it’s made — where the details matter, and every touch shapes the experience.
Absolutely. Keep crafting those magic and shine the light on what others see. Thank you
This really resonated. The way you articulated the quiet resilience of those working behind the scenes is both honest and timely. I especially liked the reminder that it’s not always about choosing sides—but about staying true to what matters to you, whether you’re in front of the mic or making sure the mic works.
Thanks for putting words to a truth many feel but struggle to express. This needed to be said.
Hello Joseph,
It gives me joy to know this piece resonate with a lot of us. Some things just have to be said, isn’t it?
Thank you for your contributions.
Stay tuned for the next post!