Building a great reputation at work is an investment
Building a career can be challenging. Early in my career as an associate, I received some valuable advice: “Your reputation is the most powerful leverage you have in business and in life; and it starts with establishing a solid repute from the beginning.” I learned that developing a strong work reputation is like putting money in the bank: useful, necessary, and your commitment to maintaining it over time will give you security.
Developing your reputation can be time consuming, tiring, and stressful, but completely worth it. As an associate, and now as a partner in my firm, I remind associates, especially women, of the stepping stones I followed to gain success and respect among my peers and community.
Gaining the trust of your peers isn’t easy, but becoming helpful and saying “yes” more than “no” sends the message that you’re a hard worker and a team player. One of the best ways to gain the gratitude of your coworkers is by showing initiative and tackling tasks without being asked. I have found that it is important to do what you say you’ll do and meet deadlines. My coworkers appreciate that I make a serious effort to get work in on time and it has increased my reputation for reliability.
As I continue to evolve in my career, I aim to be the person who comes up with solutions to problems or challenges, and I inspire others to do the same. It is important to me to go out of my way to help others reach their goals, because being a team player goes beyond a concern for yourself and your own advancement.
As part of my firm’s diversity and hiring, and recruiting committees, and a board member for several nonprofit organizations, I continue to build my reputation, both inside and outside the workplace. I continue to be an active listener and go a step beyond what is expected. I value the reputation I have created from the beginning, because it has opened doors for me to guide others to future successes.
