Recovering Your Reputation

© iStockphoto
CathyKeifer

Emerge stronger from the pain of a damaged reputation.

None of us is perfect. Making mistakes or getting things wrong is just part of life, and part of the learning process. Sometimes, though, depending on how often or how seriously you make mistakes, you might find that your reputation gets tarnished, or that you get labeled as being "incompetent," "untrustworthy," "difficult," "foolish," or worse.

The mistakes you make are rarely severe enough to cost you your job, but they can easily cost you your colleagues' respect. However, whether you've made an error of judgment, behaved badly, failed to keep a promise, or just been the victim of the rumor mills, the good news is that it's often possible to redeem yourself, and to recover your reputation. This article will help you to do that.

Reputation Is a Fragile Asset

As William Shakespeare wrote in Othello, "Good name in man and woman… is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash… But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed."

A good reputation   is certainly worth protecting. Research shows that it is vital for success in your career, and that it can also increase your self-esteem and sense of belonging. But if you make one serious slip-up or bad decision, your reputation could be in tatters, and you could miss out on promotion or new responsibilities and opportunities at work.

...