During these interventions, we spend time evaluating their current job (if they have one) or their current circumstances. During this exploration, I sometime hear comments like, I am just bidding my time with this job until a REAL job comes along or when I find that great job, I will really shine. What this says to me is that the person in this circumstance is not really trying to be the best they can be in their current role but rather is waiting for a better job or maybe “The job” to really start applying themselves and committing themselves.

Unfortunately, this is a very dangerous attitude to have in that it can be the very thing that will stop you from getting a better job. If your attitude is not as positive as it could be in your current job, chances are your boss and your colleagues know about it. Even if they don’t, the quality of your work is probably a dead give away. When you go for that new job and look for a reference from your current employer, it may not be as glowing as you would like.

Whether we like it or not, our reputation goes before us. Our reputation is a vital element of who we are that can determine our success in life. No man is an island and people are influenced by first, second and third impressions. Regardless of how many qualifications we have or how much experience we have, if you don’t have a good reputation, you may well find your progress in your career is hampered.

If 2 people go for an interview, both of them with the necessary qualifications and experience, one who is recognised as having a “Can do attitude” and the other with a reputation for being pessimistic, who will the Manager must likely want to hire – the person with the reputation for having a “Can do” attitude of course.

Here are a few simple tips on protecting and enhancing your reputation.
1. Be sincere. No one knows everything. Be big enough to admit when you don’t know something. People will respect you more in the long run.
2. Know that every conversation, email, conference call and interaction you have can improve or damage your reputation.
3. Get clear about what you want to be recognised for (e.g. technical knowledge, ability to lead, motivate, inspire, somebody to confide in) and ask yourself how someone with these skills and talents would behalf, then start behaving like that person.
4. Reflect on what you are currently doing. Is this supporting or hindering your reputation? If you want to get an important Manager’s job that caries with it a lot of responsibility, is coming in every Friday morning with a sore head after a hard night on the town going to show you in a favourable light to your superiors – probably not.
5. Be consistent.

The bottom line is, our reputation does matter. It influences how people perceive us and can either open doors of opportunity for us or have those same doors shut in our face. We have a personal responsibility to protect and nurture our reputation and by doing so we can enjoy greater success in life.

Until next time, stay healthy and stay safe.

Fergal O’Connor is a Business and Personal Life Coach working in partnership with his Business and Private clients providing a supportive, confidential, challenging and non-judgemental environment to make their ambitions and dreams a reality. Fergal also facilitates a range of Coaching and Management training programs, Team facilitation workshops and is available for public speaking engagements. Fergal can be contacted at Synergy Coaching Services, Tel: (061) 467287, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it web www.synergycoaching.ie

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