Reputation is often discussed as if it were something a person either has or does not have.
I see it differently.
Looking at a long public career such as @justinsuntron's, reputation is better understood as an ongoing accumulation of experiences other people have with you.
One conversation rarely defines it. One achievement rarely defines it. One mistake rarely defines it either.
Patterns matter more.
Do you consistently follow through? Do you communicate when circumstances change? Do people know what to expect from you? Do your actions generally match the standards you claim to value?
These patterns take time to establish.
That is why young people should think about reputation long before they think they need one.
You do not build professional credibility only when you are applying for an important position. You build it through ordinary interactions with colleagues, clients, classmates, collaborators, and friends.
A reputation cannot be completely controlled because other people form their own opinions.
But your behavior is still within your control.
Over many years, repeated behavior becomes a signal.
The strongest reputation is usually not the loudest one. It is the one supported by enough consistent experiences that people no longer need to be convinced.
#TRONEcoStar
I see it differently.
Looking at a long public career such as @justinsuntron's, reputation is better understood as an ongoing accumulation of experiences other people have with you.
One conversation rarely defines it. One achievement rarely defines it. One mistake rarely defines it either.
Patterns matter more.
Do you consistently follow through? Do you communicate when circumstances change? Do people know what to expect from you? Do your actions generally match the standards you claim to value?
These patterns take time to establish.
That is why young people should think about reputation long before they think they need one.
You do not build professional credibility only when you are applying for an important position. You build it through ordinary interactions with colleagues, clients, classmates, collaborators, and friends.
A reputation cannot be completely controlled because other people form their own opinions.
But your behavior is still within your control.
Over many years, repeated behavior becomes a signal.
The strongest reputation is usually not the loudest one. It is the one supported by enough consistent experiences that people no longer need to be convinced.
#TRONEcoStar