In business, our reputation is one of the most valuable assets we have. If our goal is to have a fine reputation, we can look at the four key areas we are judged, and see how we stack up. Here are the four areas:
How we look
What we say
How we say it
What we do
How we look: Sure. It is important to be well dressed and nicely groomed. There is one more thing: As Dale Carnegie once said, “The expression we wear on our face is more important that the shirt we are wearing”. If the expression of our face at rest does not look pleasant, we may not appear approachable. I know two people who had this problem and recognized it. They committed to always maintain a pleasant expression on their face and a twinkle in their eye. It took them both a long time to develop this habit. It also made them more approachable, and their careers advanced more rapidly.
What we say: Even though studies have shown that nearly 90% of our communication is tone of voice and body language, words do matter. We should choose them carefully. Once we say something we regret, we can apologize, but we can never take the words back. Remember the Shakespeare quote, “Much truth is said in jest”.
How we say it: The tone and emphasis we use can be telling of our beliefs, sincerity, and values. Our speech must be congruent with our thoughts.
What we do: Are we a person of our word? Do we do what we say we are going to do when we have committed to do it? Do we make a habit of helping others and putting them first? People are watching.
If we want to improve our reputation, we can look at these four areas. Do you see a gap?
