Are you taking care of your reputation? After all, “Your reputation gets to the next place before you do…” As an IT consultant, these are wise words to consider. Your reputation is arguably the most valuable tool in your professional toolbox. Do you know what your reputation is and are you managing it? Put your best foot forward in your career with these tips for managing your in-office reputation:
Prepare for Your Day
It’s important to be thought of as someone who is an expert in your field and ready for any project. One easy way to do this is to show up prepared for work and, especially meetings. That means being mentally and physically prepared. If a document is given to you prior to a meeting, read it. Make sure you bring all the tools you need to do your job. Get enough rest the night before to be ready for your work day. Being prepared for your job every day will make you stand out from the crowd and brings you one step closer to building a great reputation.
Avoid Duplicity
Integrity and Trust should be of great importance when you are managing your reputation. One of the best ways to build and maintain trust is to avoid gossiping or talking badly about others. You should also refrain from listening to others who may be talking negatively about a coworker or boss. People will take notice if you avoid gossip and unkind talk and, in turn, will notice if you are someone who partakes in such activities. Think carefully about what you say because your words will affect your reputation.
Show up on time
Have you ever had to wait 10- 20 minutes for a colleague to show up to a meeting? If it’s happened on more than one occasion, it probably leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Showing up on time shows you care about other people’s time and are responsible. If you are the tardy party, mend your ways. Punctuality—or a lack of it—is an attribute people will remember for better or for worse.
Do What You Say You’re Going to Do
Stay true to your word. If you say you’re going to call someone, call them. If you say you’re going to have a project completed by a certain deadline, have it completed. People need to know that they can trust you when you make a commitment. One way to stay true to your promises is to not overcommit. Build your reputation as someone who knows how to manage their time and as someone who can be trusted.
Be a Team Player with a Positive Attitude
Part one of being a team player is to have a good attitude at work. Showing up with a positive attitude illustrates that you want to be a team player and encourages others to want to work with you. Part two is to share when you see flaws or issues while working on a project or provide feedback to a colleague or boss to keep projects running smoothly and a team working effectively. However, when pointing out problems, it’s important to offer solutions or ideas as well as approach any issues with a soft touch and in a positive manner.
The best way to manage your reputation is to act in the way that you want others to talk about you. Now that you’ve considered your in-office reputation, check out the tips on managing your reputation online and at work events in this 3 part series:
