Managing your professional reputation

When you think of the word reputation, what comes to mind? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines reputation as a "common opinion or quality as judged by people in general."  Note the definition suggests a neutral meaning of the word.  In other words, one can have a good or bad reputation.  And, according to the dictionary, it is up to other people to decide!

How is this possible?

If you are not convinced, think about times when you have heard others talk about a friend, former colleague, or professor.  "He was sooo confusing.  I bet nobody understands what he means not even at home." Or,"she comes across so well put together.  She is probably busy interviewing for jobs." The man in the example may be a brilliant person but the "common opinion" of those around him is negative. Meanwhile, the woman in the example may always be nervous but knows how to project confidence, so no one around her notices.

Yes, it is not fair.  And, as we know from other experiences, life in general is not fair. And, although others' perceptions are a big component of one's reputation, the rest of the equation is about our own actions.  So, the good news in terms of managing your professional reputation is that it can be done. The key word is: managing.

To help you get started, take a look at the two factors we just mentioned in more detail:

Actions you have control over. Here the word actions is used loosely to mean traits, behaviors, skills.  These are all self-generated outcomes created by you.  They could be as subtle as posture, demeanor, eye contact or as obvious as a tapping on the floor, a fishy handshake or an eloquent presentation.  Through practice and  discipline, you can get better at any of these.  Again, you and only you have control over them.

Actions you do not have control over.  This is where people's judgments come in.  It is important to remember that people's opinions are based in their own experiences, biases and filters.  So, the woman who looks polished and confident to some could be perceived as cocky and snobby to others.  There is no way of knowing how people will judge her.  All she can do is continue to be prepared.

In a nutshell:  You are not able to please everyone.  But you can manage your professional reputation by proactively focusing on the actions you can control and being consistent in the image you want to project.

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