Reputation management is the art of understanding or influencing one’s personal reputation in the business realm. While in the past, reputation management has played a large role in Public Relations for the likes of companies, celebrities and politicians, the upsurgence of technology has made it important for people of all walks of life to become cognizant of both their online and offline presence.

For those of us who are on the hunt for a job or career change, ensuring that your reputation showcases the best version of yourself is imperative. The ability for potential employers to “Google” you at a moment’s notice or inquire with industry experts about your existing reputation in the marketplace is extremely easy and accessible.

As a Gen-Y worker, in the past there have been times where I have been met with initial presumptions about my work ethic. While they may not be true, they have certainly been present in the minds of prospective employers. For some, Gen-Y workers have a reputation for possessing a short attention span, lack of work ethic, unrealistic expectations and lack of loyalty to employers.

Therefore, in order to dispel these myths and ensure that you are respected by your peers, coworkers and employers, there are six main steps you can take to ensure that your reputation is well-established and managed.

1. Pay Attention
When someone is speaking to you, maintain eye contact, ensure that you are listening intently, stay genuinely interested and able to reiterate the important points in the conversation. There’s nothing worse than speaking to someone whose eyes have glossed over or who is non-stop texting on their smart phone.

2. Stay Accountable
You are in control of your actions, so stay accountable to them. Blaming others or scapegoating is never a good thing, both in the office and in your personal life. Hold yourself to a high standard and others will notice.

3. Be Truthful
Whether you’re trying to ace a job interview or have made a mistake in the office place, it is imperative that you stay truthful to yourself, your potential employers and your coworkers. That means no fabricating your resume and experience in an interview, no cover-ups in the office place, and no lying to cover yourself.

4. Ask For What You Want
Whether it’s your partner or your boss, they can’t read your mind. Ask for what you want instead of pretending as though there is nothing wrong. If you are clear, tactful and decisive, you will gain major respect and be able to progress your goals.

5. Keep Your Agreements
If you make a commitment to someone or to something, even if it’s as small as buying someone a coffee, stay true to your agreements. You’d be surprised how many small agreements aren’t carried out these days. Establish yourself as someone who goes the extra mile to keep their word.

6. Strive to Create Value With Everything
Continually ask yourself: how can I make this better? We live in a fast-paced technically savvy world where putting in your years of service and maintaining the status quo just doesn’t cut it. Strive for excellence in everything you do and you will be noticed.

Teresa (Reece) Sims
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