Whether you know it or not, whether you like it or not, you have a reputation. Even if you are new to the company, you may come with a reputation – good or not so good. Someone may know you; someone may have seen you on Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube; someone may have heard about you from a friend.
Your reputation precedes you! And the question is: What kind of reputation do you have?
Reputation is how other people see you and perceive you. It’s only partially affected by talent, results and competence. People constantly are forming opinions about you: how you act, what you do, how you behave at work, how you behave outside of work, and how you show up on social media. And based on their understanding of your reputation – they act. They will be supportive, they will give you the benefit of the doubt, or they will think you are a joke and have no place in their work area.
Reputation is a powerful force. It will help you or hurt you before you even walk in the door.
So back to our question: what kind of reputation do you have? Are you know as:
- Someone who gets things done
- Someone who stands up for what they believe and takes responsibility
- Someone who supports their colleagues
- Someone who throws them under the bus
- Someone who is easy to work with
- Someone who is volatile and unpredictable
And the most important question if you want to advance is: What kind of reputation do you want?
Yes it’s your responsibility to manage your reputation: to build it, to nurture it, and to refine it. If you’re not sure about your reputation – ask a close friend, a trusted colleague and listen carefully for the answer.
Now some people won’t tell you how they feel about you even if you stuck their head in a guillotine and threatened to pull the rope (sorry for the graphic example but truth be told often it’s difficult to be told the truth). So listen to what they don’t say. Listen to how they phrase their response. Listen to their tone. There is much information in the unspoken. Also, listen to hear if what they say honestly reflects how you feel.
If there is a dissonance – note it, understand it, and fix it.
The next step in advancing your career – after performance and accountability – is managing your reputation. Take is seriously – others certainly do.
For additional information on key issues and topics on Leadership see our blogs, free articles, white papers and videos at: www.kubicalaforestconsulting.com
Copyright 2011 Kubica LaForest Consulting
If you enjoyed this piece, please consider sharing it!
