Networking & Career / Growing Your Career / Lesson 03

LESSON 03 · GROWING YOUR CAREER

Build a Good Reputation

Eighteen easy tips to build a good reputation, so people trust you and want to work with you.

Be known for good things. Reputation grows slowly.

25 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

25 tips that really help

These ideas come from So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport), Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury), Mindset (Carol Dweck), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why reputation matters

People talk about you when you are not there. A good name opens doors and brings chances.

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Build it.

TIP 2

Keep your promises

Do what you say, even small things. Reliability is the base of trust.

TRY THIS
Keep them.

TIP 3

Be kind and respectful

Treat every person with courtesy. Kindness is remembered.

TRY THIS
Be kind.

TIP 4

Communicate clearly

Give updates and ask questions early. Clear communication prevents trouble.

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Communicate.

TIP 5

Share credit

Thank others in public. Generous people are admired.

TRY THIS
Share credit.

TIP 6

Own your mistakes

Say sorry, fix it and learn. Honesty builds trust.

TRY THIS
Own it.

TIP 7

Help people

Offer help without being asked. Helpful people are valued.

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Help one.

TIP 8

Script: promise

I will send it by Thursday afternoon. Say it clearly.

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Use it.

TIP 9

Script: mistake

I made an error and here is how I will fix it. Say it calmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: credit

This was a team effort and Maya did great work. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 11

Mistake: overpromising

Broken promises hurt, so promise what you can do.

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Promise less.

TIP 12

Mistake: blaming others

Blame harms your name, so own your part.

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Own it.

TIP 13

Troubleshoot: when your reputation is damaged

Be honest, apologise and show steady good work. Trust returns slowly.

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Be steady.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when you are new

Start with small reliable acts. Reputation begins with them.

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Start small.

TIP 15

Drill: ask three people what you are known for

Ask three people what they trust you to do. Write the answers.

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Ask three.

TIP 16

Drill: choose one trait to strengthen

Pick one trait such as reliability and plan one action.

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Pick one.

TIP 17

Be consistent in your tone

People trust those who act the same every day.

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Stay steady.

TIP 18

Admit what you do not know

Saying I do not know yet shows honesty.

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Say it calmly.

TIP 19

Remember names and small details

People feel valued when you remember them.

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Remember one detail.

TIP 20

Example: the reliable colleague

Sam always answered within a day and kept promises. People asked for him on projects.

TRY THIS
Be Sam.

TIP 21

Example: the honest apology

Mia made a mistake, owned it and fixed it. Trust grew.

TRY THIS
Own mistakes.

TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when someone harms your reputation

Calmly share facts and keep working well. Ask a trusted leader for help.

TRY THIS
Stay calm.

TIP 23

Be the same person in public and in private

People trust those whose words and actions match, so act with the same kindness whoever is watching.

TRY THIS
Check your habits.

TIP 24

Answer emails and messages within a working day

Quick replies show respect and make colleagues feel safe depending on you, which grows your good name.

TRY THIS
Set a reply rule.

TIP 25

Say thank you to the quiet helpers at work

Thanking cleaners, assistants and juniors shows good character, and people notice and remember it.

TRY THIS
Thank someone today.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

RELIABLE

“I do what I say.”

KIND

“I treat people with respect.”

CLEAR

“I communicate clearly.”

LEARN

“I keep learning.”

FAIR

“I share credit.”

CLOSE

“People can count on me.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Be on time

DAY 2
Keep promises

DAY 3
Be kind

DAY 4
Communicate clearly

DAY 5
Share credit

DAY 6
Learn

DAY 7
Help others

Further reading

• So Good They Can’t Ignore You (Cal Newport)
• Getting to Yes (Roger Fisher and William Ury)
• Mindset (Carol Dweck)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.