how to build a positive reputation in your career

Building a positive reputation in the workplace is crucial for ensuring continued success and advancement. A positive career reputation can lead to perks such as better assignments, increased raises or bonuses, and special promotions. Here are ways to build a positive reputation in your career.

Keep a positive attitude. Having a positive attitude in the workplace is fundamental for your reputation. No one wants to work with someone who is always grumpy or pessimistic. To keep a positive attitude, you should always smile and be pleasant. Have an open mind to new ideas and a willingness to try different initiatives. This will make you more approachable to others.

Earn respect before asking for a special request. If you have just graduated and are starting out in your career or if you have been working for a while but just landed a new position, you need to earn respect from your boss before you make any special requests. Don’t go into a new job expecting perks and benefits within the first year. If you first prove to your boss that you perform your job well, then he may acknowledge that it’s worthwhile to keep you content and should be more willing to grant your request, be it a flex schedule, vacation time, or a raise.

Be reliable and trustworthy. Completing tasks in a timely manner, being punctual, and adhering to business procedures will prove to your superiors and colleagues that you are a reliable employee. If you can demonstrate these traits with your actions, you will be well on your way to acceptability and good human relations in any business.

Deliver quality work. Always strive to exceed expectations in your work assignments. Pay close attention to details and make the quality of your work your first priority. Everyone can work fast, but not everyone can deliver quality work with few mistakes.

Take initiative. Showing initiative on the job will benefit your reputation. If you have a suggestion that will improve business processes, tell your supervisor. If you know that a task needs to be completed, don’t wait on your boss to tell you to do it before you get started on the project. Employers value workers who take initiative for the betterment of the organization.

Learn how to function as part of a team. In the workplace, you will often be required to work with colleagues in a team environment in order to accomplish important tasks. To be a good team player, you should put the team goals ahead of your own individual situation. Meet your deadlines so you don’t hold up everyone else. Learn how to adapt with team members who are in different locations. Take the time to understand and appreciate team members whose work style is different from yours. Be a team player and others will be sure to notice.

Take responsibility. Making mistakes is human nature, so there is no doubt that you will make errors while on the job. While it's no fun to fess up and take responsibility when you have made a mistake, your reputation will definitely take a hit if you try to cover it up. Accept responsibility when necessary and make every effort to fix your blunders.

Be careful with social networking sites. Social networking sites can lead to serious oversharing of information, which can affect your professional reputation. Avoid posting unfavorable comments about your job or boss. Don't post photos that portray you in a negative light, such as pictures from that party where you consumed too much alcohol. If you post unflattering comments and photos, your colleagues will be sure to lose their confidence in your ability to use sound judgment on the job.

Connect with mentors. Having people on your side in the workplace is important for your career reputation. So connect with your mentors and build relationships with your co-workers to make work more enjoyable and to be kept in mind for special projects and promotions.

Reputations can create or destroy opportunities in the workplace, so make every effort to build a positive one. For more information about transitioning into a new job, read First Year on the Job.