Build An Outstanding Reputation At Work
Posted on February 13, 2014 by Debbie Choy, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
Do you know how others perceive you? What words describe your professional reputation or brand? Use these tips to build an outstanding reputation!
Our professional reputation or brand is our promise to our colleagues and customers. Think of a famous brand, like McDonald’s. What do you think of when you think of the golden arches? Words like, “fast food”, “reliable”, “consistent” may come to your mind. That’s the brand promise of McDonald’s.
Now, what words come to mind when people think of you? If you are a project manager, it might be words like, “organized”, “planner”, or “team leader”. If you don’t know what those few words are, try asking a trusted colleague. This could open your eyes as to how others perceive you.
Why is it important to build an outstanding reputation at work? For instance, if you inadvertently develop a reputation for always being late to meetings and with your deliverables, your colleagues might start seeing you as unreliable. What do you think your manager might say when you are interested in leading that high profile project?
To grow in your career, use these tips to build an outstanding reputation at work -
- 1. Be consistent at the good qualities. *
What are the things that your colleagues value most about you? Is it your reliability? Your unique perspectives? Be sure to keep doing the things that you do well. Over time, your strengths will become part of your reputation.
- 2. Rectify the weaknesses. *
You don’t need to be great at everything you do. We are all human, after all. However, don’t let your weaknesses be your downfall. For example, if your lateness is causing you to lose credibility at work, take concrete steps to remedy this.
- 3. Deliver on your promises. *
Whatever your brand is, be sure to deliver on your promises. For example, if you are trying to build a brand as an innovative thought leader in your group, bring on the new ideas! If you want to be the go-to person for the ABC product line, be sure to know all the facts and truly deliver on that promise.
In the corporate world, perception is reality. Have you heard of the saying, “Your reputation precedes you?” Your professional reputation matters, so start to build an outstanding reputation at work today!
