What people say when you are not there.
WHAT IT IS BUILT FROM
Whether you deliver Whether you are honest Whether you are pleasant to work with How you behave under pressure
WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN QUALIFICATIONS
Over a career, most opportunities come from people who have worked with you.
WHAT DAMAGES IT QUICKLY
Missing commitments without warning Blaming others Overstating your contribution Behaving differently toward juniors and seniors
WHY THAT LAST ONE IS NOTICED
It is observed by everyone and remembered.
WHAT BUILDS IT SLOWLY
Consistent delivery Helping without being asked Giving credit Admitting error
WHAT TO DO ABOUT COMMITMENTS YOU CANNOT MEET
Say so early.
WHY
Warned delay is forgiven; discovered delay is not.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PUBLIC MISTAKES
Own them plainly.
WHAT THAT PRODUCES
More trust, not less.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH PUBLICLY
Criticising former employers Arguing online Claims that can be checked
WHY
The record persists.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT AN EXISTING POOR REPUTATION
Change the behaviour, and let time work.
WHY TIME
Reputations lag behaviour in both directions.
WHAT TO PROTECT
Your name, which outlasts every role.