Every year millions of high school students prepare to graduate. As a high school senior, there are several rites of passage to which they look forward. Of course, the culminating event is graduation.
One activity is the senior prom. As a high school Principal, I always looked forward to the prom. Students plan for months to ensure they have a stunning outfit, the best transportation, and the perfect evening.
Another senior activity is the senior send off. Instead of going to class on their last day, seniors spend the day celebrating the completion of high school. The day starts with a walk down memory lane, followed by games and food.
My favorite activity, however, was yearbook signing. Why? Because it was an opportunity to reflect on the senior’s reputation and to speak life into their future. Seniors are always excited to read the reflections.
Now imagine we opened your “work” yearbook. What would your colleagues write about you? Like seniors preparing to graduate, you have a reputation. Do you know what your reputation is?
Building a reputation for reliability is crucial to your success. Why? Because you will be judged by your reputation. Your reputation is your brand!
So, precisely, what is “reputation?” Darrah Brustein explains reputation using the following equation:
your actions + what others say about you = your reputation
How can you build a reputation for reliability? Brustein offers ten guidelines to help you:
- Do what you say you will do – your word is your bond, therefore keep your word
- Help others reach their goals – add value to others by helping them achieve success
- Make others look good – give credit to others
- Go above and beyond then required or expected – under promise and over deliver
- Dress professionally – your appearance is a direct reflection of your brand
- Keep your body language positive – 55% of communication is your body language so keep it positive
- Be consistent – consistency is the cornerstone of reliability
- Act with integrity – build your reputation on a foundation of trust
- Get involved in your organization – become an active member of your organization
- Be likable – others prefer to work with people they like
How others view you will determine your level of success. Therefore, it is very important that your colleagues view you as reliable and trustworthy.
“You can’t buy a good reputation; you must earn it.”
Harvey Mackay
Are you building a reliable reputation?
Your leadership guide,
Kim
Dr. Kim Moore | Your Leadership Guide | kimdmoore.com
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