There’s the old cliché: “Your reputation precedes you.” That is often true, but I wonder if people think about how that reputation forms. Is it because you act like a professional, demonstrate unparalleled success, command respect, and wear a red shirt on Sundays? … Or is it something else? Is it based on your daily behavior, or one fantastically good or bad experience? Is it because you take the time to manage your reputation, expectations, personal path, and success? Or is it because you avoid trouble … so far.
Whether planned or unplanned, a reputation usually exists on day 10,000 because of actions from day 1. Employees are dependable, athletes are “clutch,” luxury brands are beautiful, and the weather in Southern California is nice. It’s not because you made one game-winning shot, or saw one sunny day, but because it happens routinely and people can depend on your performance.
Who Are You Long Term?
Your reputation doesn’t have to be something to which everyone subscribes. Donny Deutsch recently discussed Madonna’s career brand management. As she evolves, she is true to who she is: cutting edge sexuality. That does not appeal to everyone, but the good news is you get to choose how to manage yourself.
What roles do you want to play today, this year, this decade? What level of satisfaction do you want in your roles? How do you want to be perceived? Who can guide you? How else do you get there?
If you can’t do that, consider the alternative… a quick way to ruin your reputation.
15 Minutes of Fame can Sometimes Last Longer.
Last week I sat in court while the judge lectured a junior lawyer (let’s call him Mr. Junior) on his accusatory tone and his failure to educate and communicate with special counsel. Even after that, Mr. Junior forgot to hang up the courtcall. He and his colleague’s laughter and comments about the judge echoed throughout the courtroom. There is no doubt the rest of the judges in that building heard Mr. Junior’s name throughout lunch. The judge further questioned how Mr. Junior, licensed for only 6 months, could have represented “thousand’s of clients as his website suggested.”
This judge will never forget Mr. Junior, even after one encounter six months into his career. A relatively isolated event, yes, but there are more public cases of a quickly ruined reputation. Take Tiger Woods, Susan G. Koman Foundation, or even Herman Cain.
Repair your Rep
Everyone can agree people and companies make mistakes or experience bad times. The trick is to be conscious and:
- Identify you’ve made a mistake,
- Understand it must be solved proactively and professionally,
- Take the time to understand the other side’s position. Were they disrespected, disappointed, worried, or something else?
- Consider what is important for you to communicate. The truth is important, the future is important, and perhaps the desire to demonstrate your willingness to make a change will be well received.
- Be professional, be proactive, and be persistent.
Your reputation will precede you … even if you perceive that you don’t have one. It is building (or floundering) today, and will follow you indefinitely. To insure that a good reputation precedes you, consciously build, maintain, and (when necessary) recuperate your reputation.
“People tell you who they are every day… believe them.” — Maya Angelou
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