A dynamic co-worker always seems to take the limelight in your workplace. This means she not only gets the starring role in terms of receiving management’s attention and praise, but she also gets to undertake more of the lively work and fewer of the routine tasks that fall to others, including you.

You may even acknowledge that her role is well-earned. It’s no wonder your bosses rely on her for a job well done. The trouble is, you are just as capable of shining at these things – if only you could step out of her shadow. How can you let the powers that be know of your talents without seeming to besmirch hers?

First, step back and take a look at the situation more broadly. Ask yourself if you, too, are valued for a skill at which you excel. Perhaps management does not call on you to make the company presentations for which your colleague receives so much praise, because you are so good at producing graphics. Just because your work is not so “out front,” it does not mean that you are unappreciated.

Next, build on the goodwill by continuing to excel at the work you have been assigned. This will put you in a positive position when you let your supervisor know you also have more to offer.

An excellent time to point out your additional skills is during your annual evaluation meeting, when you can point to the desired work as an area for growth that you’d like to explore. Bring this up as a personal goal rather than as a gripe about what you may see as preferential treatment reserved for another. If your boss lets you know your colleague already fills the company’s need for the particular skill, indicate that you’d like to be ready as a substitute or teammate who is prepared to perform the work.

If you would like to discuss the subject at a time other than during an annual evaluation, schedule a meeting with your boss, and present your skills as a plus that might benefit the company. Another option is to showcase your skills in the company newsletter if there is a section about employees’ activities. Perhaps you make terrific presentations outside of the workplace, which you can highlight here.

Remember, it is always useful for management to know about the full skill sets of employees. And you cannot be considered for a new role if no one knows your capabilities. The only way to get on the radar is to put yourself there, with a positive, upbeat approach. You may not suddenly become first choice over your colleague for the work you would wish to do, but at least you have a much better chance of scoring that work on occasion.