As you begin to create a disturbance with your reputation building, others may become uncomfortable with the change in the way you are operating. The status quo has gone, and they may be more, or less, happy with the new challenge you are presenting.
In the last article I shared some ideas on how to prepare for these changes and the potential consequences (Ruffling Feathers and Due Diligence). That done, I’d now like to suggest that you turn your attention to a more positive thread of activity and adopt a clear set of principles to guide all of your behaviour going forward. These principles are naturally focused on your key reputation building activities, but will no doubt spread to all areas of your work.
- Build Relationships with Beneficiaries. When you are able to move into the behaviours and performance associated with your desired reputation, who will be the biggest winners? Make sure they know that you are coming and how much they will win.
- Ensure You Build Substance. The gap between perception and reality needs to be managed carefully. It is okay to impress beyond your current capabilities, but very quickly you have to back this up with performance (more of how to do this in the next article).
- Under-Promise and Over-Perform. The old ones are the best. I don’t mean to suggest that you should promise less than you can do. Instead, promise your current capability and challenge yourself to go the extra mile.
- Manage Expectations. If you’re doing something for the first time make sure that key stakeholders are aware. Also let them know what you are planning to do in order to minimise risks, maximise opportunities and learn at every turn. Keep them always in the loop as you progress.
- Keep Learning at Every Turn. If you have substance already, how can you have more of it? Virtually all experts are continually increasing their knowledge and capability — you should too, in whatever skills, knowledge or behaviour that supports your reputation.
- Remain Vigilant. Don’t ignore your competition, or those who would wish you harm, but don’t get paranoid and obsess about them either. Just make sure you get early warning of any threats you need to do something about.
- Stay Close to Sponsors. All star performers have people who advocate them. These could be mentors, or distant senior friends. They don’t have to be closely associated with your work, but you do have to have these people available for help and advice (more on this later in the series).
Your task now is two-fold. Firstly, make a clear decision which of these seven principles you should be focusing on and making your own. At the same time, make any additions you feel are prudent for you in your situation.
Secondly, live by them. Keep them in focus, particularly in the early days of your reputation building.
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