Building a Solid Reputation in the Workplace

Gain a Solid Reputation:

Building a Solid Reputation in the Workplace

The best way to impress your boss and coworkers often comes from being a stand-up person. Showing good character generates trust and will help you build a solid reputation in the workplace. Here are ten tips on making a lasting impression with your colleagues, supervisors, and those you come in contact on a daily basis:

1. Take responsibility for your mistakes.You’ll waste too much energy trying to defer blame when you’ve made a mistake. Stand tall and admit responsibility where it’s yours. Apologize if necessary and take steps to repair any damage. It is always better to admit the mistake and take care of it quickly, instead of letting it fester and become an obstacle for you to do your work properly.

2. Share responsibility for achievements.Nothing can be more frustrating for coworkers than when you grandstand. If you’re willing to admit when you’ve made a mistake, you must also be willing to give credit where it’s due; when coworkers contribute to a success, proudly state their contributions.

3. Never gossip.Talking about coworkers when they’re not present can feel oddly satisfying, but in whatever form, gossiping is never a good thing. It usually gets back to the person in the end, hurting their feelings. And gossipers, regardless of how they might justify their behavior, never appear honorable in those sad, water-cooler moments. In addition, try to avoid those conversations that go into the grey area of propriety and tact. Show that when you guide your brain power to a positive influence you can also do that with your tongue.

4. Don’t say, “That’s not my job.”It’s good to know when to say “no,” but that “no” should never come in the form of “that’s not my job.” Team players are always valuable, so when a coworker or supervisor asks for your help or wants you to contribute in some way, never reply, “That’s not my job.” Employees who only stay within the strict confines of their job descriptions are unable to learn and grow (and add new skills and experience to their resumes). They can also become annoying cubicle hobbits who don’t work well with others. Be amenable to assisting your coworkers when you can and they will take note of it.

5. Help coworkers with crucial projects.This is another way you can be a team player. If there’s something you can contribute to a coworker’s success, do it. Be willing to share some of your time and energy in order to help coworkers succeed. Usually that type of favor comes back your way when you least expect it and need it most.

6. Ask for help when you need it.Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of your willingness to do whatever’s necessary to succeed. And because you’re not sloughing responsibility, usually those whose help you enlist will be proud of their ability to contribute. One mistake that is made is that you ask much too often of those around you. Make sure the time you ask, it’s something you absolutely can’t do by yourself.

7. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.”We’ve all met people who apparently know everything and have done it all. Chances are many of those people are insecure and afraid to admit when they’re uncertain or don’t know. Sometimes pretending to know can get you into more trouble than admitting that you don’t.

8. Give compliments.The workplace can often seem a competitive place where everyone is trying to get the edge on everyone else. You may be surprised at how good it feels to celebrate in the success of others. A well deserved but unexpected compliment either in the cubicle or in the conference room goes a long way in great to keep that good vibe in the office. When genuine, compliments always create good feelings.

9. Graciously accept compliments.This tip is as simple as they come. Don’t minimize your achievements by explaining how easy the task was. But also don’t take the opportunity to ooze on about how difficult it was and how equal to the task you where. Say “thank you” and move on to your next great achievement.

10. Don’t let others give you their monkeys.I once had this great boss who told me never to leave someone else’s office with their monkey on my back. When you’re a team player and are willing to contribute to others’ success, some might think they can take advantage of you by passing unpleasant tasks your way. Don’t let that happen. You are benefitting them nothing when you don’t allow them to have the responsibility that the project calls for. To do so requires that you look at what a coworker or supervisor is asking and measure whether or not they want your help or see you as an easy target. Good character is also shown when you know your responsibilities and can say “no” when others try to unload their difficulties onto you.

Building a solid reputation is a matter of consciously making the best choices you can for yourself and your coworkers. When you do that you’ll find that people trust your work and look to you as a leader.

Have the confidence to take on anything within your “circle of influence”. You will be surprised in what you know and the talents that you inherently have when you but forth the effort. Universal Accounting is all about supporting those who are looking to gain that confidence, solid, comprehensive training brings to a person’s career. Today is that day when you gain access to the training that will make the difference in your career path. Click here to find out more about Universal’s Professional Bookkeeping training.