The Reputation Equation: Balancing Consistency, Integrity, and Feedback

• Approximately 90% of employers look at the social media presence of prospective employees.
• 80% of employers have rejected a candidate based on what they found. If there are reasons your social media presence could harm your chances of being hired, consider making your personal profiles private.
• If your social media is related to your work, it may help in your job search. 95% of businesses use social media when recruiting.
• It likely won’t surprise you that nearly 75% of companies consider Linkedin to be the most effective site for finding qualified job candidates.
• It doesn’t stop with Linkedin. 66% of companies use Facebook and 53% of companies use Twitter.

In today's interconnected and competitive world, a good reputation is invaluable. George Robinson's book, "How Reputations Are Won and Lost," delves deeply into the mechanisms behind building and destroying reputations, offering timeless insights. Below, we explore key lessons from Robinson's work on how reputations are forged and dismantled, relevant to individuals and organisations alike, and how tools like Hogan assessments and sophisticated 360-degree feedback can further enhance our understanding of reputation.

Your Reputation: How to Build It, Keep It, and Understand It

Is consistency the key?

Robinson underscores the importance of consistency in actions and communications. "A reputation is built one action at a time, brick by brick. Consistent behavior, whether in personal dealings or professional endeavours, is the bedrock of a compelling reputation" (Robinson, p. 42). This means keeping reliability and predictability in all interactions, fostering trust and dependability.

Excellence in Execution

Delivering exceptional results is crucial. Robinson notes, "Excellence in every task, however small, accumulates to form the cornerstone of a stellar reputation" (Robinson, p. 55). Whether through meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, or demonstrating high standards, excellence sets individuals and organisations apart in the eyes of peers and the public.

Authenticity and Integrity

Being genuine and upholding strong ethical standards are paramount. Robinson states, "In an age of information overload, authenticity cuts through the noise. People gravitate towards those who are true to their values and consistent in their integrity" (Robinson, p. 75). By aligning actions with words and values, one builds a reputation that stands firm even in adversity.

Building Relationships

The relationships we cultivate play a significant role in our reputations. Robinson writes, "The company you keep reflects and shapes your reputation. Positive relationships amplify your virtues, while negative associations can undermine them" (Robinson, p. 95). Investing in meaningful, positive relationships strengthens one’s reputation by association.

Behind the Curtain: What Really Shapes Your Reputation?

How can you lose a good reputation?

Inconsistency and Contradiction

Robinson highlights that inconsistency is a quick path to a tarnished reputation. "When actions contradict words, trust erodes. Inconsistencies are perceived as dishonesty, which is the kryptonite to a good reputation" (Robinson, p. 101). This could manifest in breaking promises or acting against proclaimed values.

Failure to Own Mistakes

How one handles errors is telling. "Failing to acknowledge and address mistakes leads to a loss of credibility. Reputation is not about being perfect but about how one manages imperfection" (Robinson, p. 115). Transparency and accountability in the face of failure are essential to maintaining trust.

Negative Public Perception

Robinson explains that public perception is often shaped by external narratives. "Reputation can be lost through external factors beyond one's control, but managing these perceptions through proactive and transparent communication can mitigate damage" (Robinson, p. 135). Engaging with the public honestly and promptly can prevent misinformation from taking root.

Associations with Negative Influences

Just as positive relationships can bolster a reputation, negative ones can destroy it. "Associating with individuals or groups that have dubious reputations can cause collateral damage to your own. Guarding against such associations is essential" (Robinson, p. 150). This applies equally to personal and professional spheres, where reputation by association is potent.

Reputation Management: Insights from George Robinson and Modern Assessment Tools

Understanding and managing one's reputation requires a deep awareness of one’s behaviours, motivations, and how they are perceived by others. This is where tools like Hogan assessments and sophisticated 360-degree feedback systems, such as the APS (Assessment Profile System) version, play a crucial role.

Hogan Assessments: Insight into Behaviour and Motivation

Hogan assessments are renowned for their ability to offer comprehensive insights into personality and behavioural tendencies. They evaluate characteristics across three primary dimensions:

1.??????? Potential

2.??????? Values

3.??????? Challenges

By understanding these three dimensions, individuals can gain a clearer picture of their natural strengths and areas for development. For example, the Hogan Development Survey identifies potential derailers – behaviours that can harm one’s reputation under stress or pressure. Recognising these can help individuals proactively manage their actions and maintain a positive reputation.

360-Degree Feedback: A Mirror to Your Reputation

A sophisticated 360-degree feedback system, like the APS version, collects and synthesises feedback from a wide range of colleagues and peers. Robinson emphasises the importance of external perceptions in reputation management: "How others see you often forms the basis of your reputation, making their feedback an invaluable resource" (Robinson, p. 210). This comprehensive feedback offers a holistic view of one’s impact and performance, highlighting areas where belief may differ from self-assessment. It is an excellent tool for uncovering blind spots and aligning one's self-image with how others see them.

How can AI Help Manage Your Reputation?

AI can help manage your reputation in several ways:

1. Monitoring and Alerts: AI tools can continuously monitor online mentions across social media, news sites, and forums. They can alert you in real-time to any significant mentions, allowing you to address potential issues quickly.

2. Sentiment Analysis: AI can analyse the sentiment of online content about you or your brand. This helps in understanding public perception and addressing any negative sentiments before they escalate.

3. Content Management: AI can assist in creating and curating content that positively shapes your online presence. It can suggest content ideas, optimize them for SEO, and even automate posting schedules.

4. Crisis Management: In the event of a PR crisis, AI can help analyse the situation, suggest responses, and predict the impact of different actions. This allows for more informed decision-making during critical times.

5. Engagement: AI chatbots can manage customer interactions, addressing concerns, answering questions, and maintaining a positive engagement with your audience.

6. Competitor Analysis: AI tools can analyse competitors' reputations and strategies, providing insights into areas where you can improve or capitalise on.

7. Fake News Detection: AI can identify and flag fake news or misinformation about you or your brand, helping to maintain a truthful narrative.

8. Influencer Identification: AI can help identify key influencers and advocates who can positively impact your reputation through collaborations or endorsements.

By leveraging these AI capabilities, individuals and businesses can more effectively manage their reputation and maintain a positive public image. To learn more.

My Conclusion

George Robinson’s "How Reputations Are Won and Lost" provides a profound exploration of the factors that contribute to the rise and fall of reputations. Through understanding and applying his insights on consistency, excellence, authenticity, relationship building, and careful management of mistakes and associations, one can navigate the complex landscape of reputation with greater awareness and resilience.

Incorporating the power of AI into this framework enhances it further. AI-driven tools can monitor and analyse reputation dynamics in real time, offering insights and alerts that allow for proactive reputation management. AI can also facilitate sentiment analysis, content management, and crisis response, providing a strategic advantage in maintaining a positive public image.

Adding the depth of self-awareness provided by Hogan assessments and sophisticated 360-degree feedback mechanisms, along with AI capabilities, offers individuals a robust framework to understand and enhance their reputation. By embracing these tools, one can ensure that their actions align with their desired reputation and that they stay vigilant to the beliefs that shape their public image.

In a world where reputation can be a decisive factor in success, these combined lessons are more relevant than ever. Internalising these principles and leveraging modern assessment tools and AI can help build robust, respected reputations that endure and thrive even in challenging times.

References

• Dr Richard G Ford - How Reputations Are Won and Lost (2020) Libri Publishing.
• Hogan Assessments – We offer a fully integrated reputation and career development approach, professional coaching, and completely confidential training. Book here.
• APS Reflections - 360-Degree Feedback – I believe the Reflections platform is the most powerful 360 multi-rater system available to professionals in terms of the options and flexibility it offers.?With over 20 customisable features and FREE Trial. Book here.
• AI Capability - Manage your business reputation and insights with us - Details .

?

?

?