How to Improve Your Reputation at Work

Your professional reputation is an important asset. It can represent the key to your advancement, but it’s also difficult to maintain. A string of bad luck, or an important project turning south (even if it wasn’t your fault), can start to fray your reputation. If yours has started to tatter a bit, you’ll have to work hard to repair it. 

It’s crucial to do what you can to reinvigorate your standing within the company. Think of it this way: corporations (and a lot of individuals) rely on their brands to achieve success. In a way, this is another way of saying they rely on their reputations. 

A strong reputation builds respect among your managers and coworkers. This will help you thrive in the near term. Looking further down the road, people’s opinions of you will ultimately decide the course of your career, possibly opening the door to promotions and better opportunities. 

Steps to improve your reputation at work: 

Perfect Your Day-to-Day Job 

Before you can get labeled a superstar, you need to make sure the basics are handled. Your current position comes with certain expectations and requirements. Taking care of these represents your first responsibility. Get as good as possible at your day-to-day job. That will build a strong base of respect with your managers and coworkers. 

Take on Responsibility  

If no one knows about you, it’s hard to form a reputation. You’ll just become the “who’s that” person in the office. Sneaking back to your cubicle after every meeting and avoiding any responsibility will leave you anonymous and underappreciated.  

However, if you step up and take on additional responsibility, your peers will soon see your true talents. To get that done, you should look for ways to distinguish yourself. Volunteer for important projects and search out leadership assignments. 

Make Other People’s Lives Easier 

People are generally selfish. That may sound harsh to say, but it’s a truth of corporate life. Your managers and coworkers are drawn to people who make their lives easier. 

There’s no reason to get cynical about that fact. Rather, incorporate it into your reputation-building strategy. Look for ways to become the office hero and raise your standing with those around you. 

Practice Good Communication  

Earning a strong reputation is more than doing your job well. It’s even more than going beyond the requirements of your position. Securing respect also requires excellent communication skills.  

You need to be able to form a connection with the other people in the company. Strive to build relationships and form bonds with those around you.  

Keep It Professional  

Disappointments at work can get frustrating. However, no matter what happens, you need to maintain a constructive and professional demeanor. This will help cement your reputation. People will see you as calm and reliable, the kind of cool customer they can turn to in a crisis. 

Solve Problems  

Ultimately, a good reputation is about achieving results. This requires that you complete your assignments on time and with the highest possible quality. To reach that level of achievement, you’ll need to handle all the unexpected hurdles that come up. Get good at solving problems, without requiring assistance, and you’ll quickly build a strong reputation. 

Once you’ve built created a buzz around your abilities, it’s time to leverage the good feelings for a better position. A top-notch staffing firm, like SmartTalent, can help you get the most out of your hard-won experience.  

Contact SmartTalent today to learn more.