Building Your Reputation
While we all wish to improve personal and professional development, the saying "You cannot build a reputation on I'm going to," (attributed to Henry Ford) holds a promise. While having an intention is essential, these must materialize into actions to work. Your reputation is something that is earned by the way you act, treat people, and what you have completed, not what you say. We should not allow ourselves to speak as if the work is complete if it is not. If we start to tell everyone we are or aren’t something before it’s complete would be a lie. For example, I cannot run around and tell people I am a successful businessman. I have not completed the work to earn the title. I’m definitely working on it, but it’s not complete thus I should not state that I am. Likewise, I cannot call myself a driven person if every time I get to be driven/ambitious I sit myself in front of a television for hours instead. I would be better suited as a procrastinator than a driven person then.
Author, Robert Greene, has a great take on this in “48 Laws of Power”. Everyone should read it. Law 5 states, “ So much depends on reputation, guard it with your life.” This law underscores the critical role reputation plays in the realm of power dynamics. According to Greene, a person's reputation is a powerful asset that significantly influences how they are perceived and, consequently, the opportunities available to them. He emphasizes the fragility of reputation, noting that it can be easily tarnished by a single misstep or careless action. As such, individuals are advised to guard their reputation vigilantly, understanding that it is a key contributing factor of their success in various social and professional circles.
Greene explores how excellent reputation can be a strategic advantage, opening doors and fostering trust. He warns against underestimating the impact of negative perceptions, as rebuilding a damaged reputation is a formidable challenge. The law urges individuals to approach their actions with a keen awareness of their reputational implications, advocating for a balance between strategic moves and ethical conduct. Ultimately, Law 5 serves as a potent reminder of the pivotal role reputation plays in the complex dance of power and influence, advising individuals to view it as a valuable currency that demands careful stewardship.
Ultimately, Law 5 serves as a poignant reminder that reputation is a valuable currency demanding careful stewardship. It's not just a reflection of what we've done but a projection of who we are. Intentions, while significant, are only the starting point; it is the consistency of actions that solidifies a reputation, making it a force to be guarded with utmost care. In essence, Greene's insights underscore the profound truth that reputations are not built on what we plan to do but on the actions that we have already undertaken.
