5 Tips to Build Your Reputation at the Workplace

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, reputation is the opinion that people have about what somebody is like, based on what has happened in the past.

Reputation is about building your character so that people can trust and rely on you. How do you establish your reputation? Here are some suggestions:


1. Core values: What is important to you? I think such values like integrity, honesty, courage, fairness, reliability, empathy, responsiveness, and initiative are essential for your reputation. Your thoughts and actions are guided by your core values and in turn, it leads to who you are.

2. Distinguish between right and wrong: Do not think that it is OK to do something wrong and not getting caught. Do not ruin your characters like Chua Soi Lek or Tiger Woods.

3. Promises: Do you keep your promises to your children? It does not matter how trivial it is because you are going to form a habit and it leads to building your character and reputation. Your habit of honoring your promises will augur well at the workplace. You keep your words so that people can count on you.

4. Responsibility: Do you accept responsibility when something goes wrong or you blame others for the mistake? Reputation is about how you resolve a situation to the satisfaction of everyone.

5. Trust: This is the pillar of reputation and character building. Trust is for the long haul. It is about honoring your delivery for the first time and every time. Fulfill what is required from you without fail.


Stephen R. Covey, author of the best-seller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says, “While skill is certainly needed for success, it can never guarantee happiness and fulfillment. These come from developing character.”