Casting a Shadow: Navigating the Nuances of Reputation and Character

Raymond Donovan, former Secretary of Labor, famously asked in 1987, after being acquitted of fraud charges, "Which office do I go to get my reputation back?" It takes a lot of work and thought to build your character, and harder work to build your reputation. Even harder, however, would be rebuilding it.?

In today's interconnected world, personal reputation and character wield immense influence over how we are perceived and the relationships we forge. It is crucial to be mindful of our behavior and actions, as cultivating a good reputation and strong character is similar to putting money in the bank: it can take a long time to accumulate, and its value increases the more you add to it. And when it’s time to withdraw, you’ll be glad you made the investment. The opposite is also true; perhaps a big investment in a ‘shit coin’ is a good analogy. When you surround yourself with bad company, the radiation is toxic. Bad investments can take a whole bank down.?

Reputation and character are both fragile and powerful, and it’s important to be mindful of how we act and what we say, as they can both create and destroy others' perceptions of us. Our words and deeds can linger like a shadow, so it is essential to be aware of the impact we have.

Our digital presence also affects, and sometimes reflects, our success in life. In order to maintain a good reputation, we should be careful about how we showcase ourselves online. We can take steps to ensure our reputation is positive and accurate. But more significant than how we portray ourselves online is how we behave offline.

And that is one thing that has really stuck with me. Not just as a man who has lived through the pre-social era of college and early professional life, but also as someone who has faced some challenging professional situations, even a few recently. Keeping some of these ideas in mind always managed to help me get through the toughest times.?

Richard Branson once noted, "All you have in business is your reputation - so it's very important that you keep your word." It should be obvious that we strive to act with integrity and be honest and responsible in all that we do. In life, as in business, if you say you are going to do something, you do it. People need to be able to trust you and your word. Growing up, I strived to be the friend who, when I said I’d pick you up at the airport or made plans to come over a certain weekend, did it. Not because I wanted to appear to be good, but because I was taught to keep my word and also because I hated it when someone told me they’d do something and they didn’t. I always wanted to be the friend that others could rely on, and I found myself surrounded by the same kind of people.?

Whether it be cultural, regional, or just personal differences, it will be a major shock when you encounter actions that are anathema to your sensibilities or ethics — the opposite of your character. It’s not just that you will come across people who don’t keep their word, but you’ll confront some who never had the intention to keep it — people who think life and business are zero sum games. That only one person will succeed, and it won’t be you as long as they can help it. You will find people who think norms, rules, and laws are malleable or that money, power, and connections can get you out of anything. These are stories told daily in business and politics.?

"Shadow of a leader" was something that was discussed often at Nationwide. The concept refers to the influence and impact a leader has on their team or organization. Just as a tree casts a shadow, a leader's actions, behavior, and decisions create a lasting impression on those they lead. The shadow represents the collective perception and interpretation of the leader's character, values, and leadership style. A leader's shadow can inspire, motivate, and empower others or, conversely, create doubt, mistrust, and disengagement. Understanding the significance of the shadow that a leader casts allows them to be more intentional in their actions, consistently demonstrating integrity, authenticity, and empathy.?

"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." - Abraham Lincoln

Reputation reflects others' perceptions; character embodies our true essence and beliefs, and serves as a foundation for a solid reputation. It cannot be taken away or changed and should be nurtured through self-discipline, honesty, and wise decisions. For several reasons …?

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you'll do things differently." - Warren Buffett

The Oracle of Omaha’s quote highlights the delicate nature of reputation, how it can be easily tarnished in a moment. In a world that moves in milliseconds, understanding the fragility of reputation encourages individuals to be mindful of their choices, decisions, and interactions, inspiring them to prioritize integrity, transparency, and trustworthiness in all aspects of their lives.

So "be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." John Wooden emphasizes the primacy of character over reputation and the importance of self-reflection, introspection, and personal growth in cultivating a strong character. To establish a positive reputation, one should strive to embody the qualities they wish to project. Nowadays, people feel pressured by others' polished digital personas, leading them to present their own lives in an unrealistic way. Instead of focusing on your own social highlight reel, concentrate on the present moment, your desired goals, and imprinting memories rather than attempting to curate every aspect of your life for social media.

"What matters most is how well you walk through the fire." It's not a quote, but the title of a book of poems from Charles Bukowski — the last man you'd expect to get good life advice from. But it's helped me deal with difficult situations, almost as a mantra to keep me moving over a hot bed of coals. To keep my head up and eyes straight ahead. To do the right thing and keep moving forward.?

As a father who, up until recently, was the tallest person in my family, I saw a quote that hit me right in the gut. "A father is someone you look up to, no matter how tall you grow." My son at 14 is taller than me now, but I hope he will continue to look up to me. It's my job to see that he does. Because "a father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be."

So. Be consistent in your actions so that you can build a reputation that reflects your true character, not just your shadow. Act as if your reputation is on the line every second of your life, because it unfortunately is.