Reputation COUNTS

I came across a post by Donald Trump in 2007 on the Trump University blog called, “Build Your Reputation.”  He said, “Actions matter…If you are serious about what you’re doing, taking responsibility for yourself starts now.”

(http://www.trumpuniversity.com/blog/index.cfm)

I couldn’t agree more and wrote a comment on the blog as did several other people.  Every day I hear from employers who want to see core behaviors exhibited in their workers and job candidates, characteristics such as honesty, perseverance, being respectful and professional. 

The employers say, “We can’t coach you on these traits.  It’s a waste of time.  We don’t want to deal with you if you don’t have them.”

Your behavior will determine your reputation – and your success.

Tags: Workplace behavior by Marcia Hall
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 “Talk in complete sentences,” an employer asked me to pass along.  “If you are working in an adult job, speak like an adult.  Stop using terms such as, ‘uh, yeah, like you know’.”

Slang is fun to use when talking with friends.  But if you say to your boss, “I had a wicked good time at the company dinner” before you know if slang is acceptable, you may make the wrong type of impression.  Not everyone understands slang and some people are offended by it.  In the business setting it is best to avoid using it, unless you are absolutely sure it is acceptable.

Using poor grammar creates problems as well.  Saying, “I can’t get no…” does not make you sound intelligent.  Your supervisor will be reluctant to give you speaking opportunities because he/she can’t be certain of what you might say.  Inattention to grammar can keep you from moving ahead.

Watch how you speak, particularly when you are talking to clients or your boss. 

Tags: Communication Skills by Marcia Hall
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How you ever found yourself trying to figure out someone else’s handwriting?  You can’t make out the letters and it’s frustrating.  Maybe you received some notes from a colleague and you can’t read what was written down.  You end up spending time you don’t have to figure it out, or worse yet, you have to ask the person to decipher it for you.

You can make sure you don’t inflict that on someone else by printing your name on applications, other forms and correspondence so that people can read the letters quickly and easily.  It is fun to scribble your name but sloppy writing costs other people their valuable time.

How to Make This Tip a Habit:

Every time you handwrite a communication, print each letter carefully and as big as the space allows.  Use a good pen and write dark enough.

Tags: Communication Skills by Marcia Hall
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How can I determine what the expectations will be in a new job and how my success will be measured?

I received this question on my website, www.reputationcounts.com, and it underscores the need to carefully research the job you are applying for and to be prepared to ask questions of your potential employer.

Once you have a good understanding of the company and what you can offer it, write down some questions you will ask.  It is important to be proactive in finding out what the expectations will be.  For example, are they clearly written down?  Ask what specific tasks need to be accomplished and how the company measures success.  Are there workplace standards to help employees perform their jobs effectively?  Are training and other support and resources available?

Questions like these help give you clarity about what is expected.  Then you can reflect about whether this particular job aligns with your own goals and preferences.

Tags: Job Search by Marcia Hall
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 Just before the holidays, I discovered that the keyboard I had purchased did not work so I had to return it to the store. It was an awkward size to carry and as I approached the mall entrance, I was relieved to see a man washing the window. I stood in front of the door in his sight, and he said, “The door is open.”

I was surprised that he did not offer to assist me.  If he had said, “Here, let me get the door for you,” I would have been most appreciative.  If you are in the workplace and show common courtesies like this, your co-workers and employer will most likely be appreciative as well. It is a simple way to build the type of reputation that moves your career forward.

Would you have opened the door? 

Tags: Respect by Marcia Hall
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This weekend I looked through survey results conducted by CareerBuilder.com.  I particularly enjoy reading statistics about how employers and workers view being late to work.

The surveys in 2007 and 2008 cited many reasons employees used for not getting to work on time, but one of the employer statistics in the 2007 survey really caught my attention:

“One-in-five managers say they might fire an employee who is late three times in a year.”

While you may believe it doesn’t matter if you’re late as long as you get your work done, people do wonder if they can  count on you.  That negative perception becomes your reputation.

Consistently being punctual is a simple way to show people they can depend on you.

Tags: Workplace behavior by Marcia Hall
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Have you ever been on the phone, involved in what you consider to be an important conversation, only to hear computer “clicks” over the telephone line?

All of a sudden, you realize that the person talking to you is also working or playing computer games.  In fact, you might even hear sound effects from the game being played.  How important do you feel at that moment?

While you might expect this from a friend, or maybe you do it yourself, it is disconcerting to hear these sounds .Those clicks may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.  It is better to just move away from the keyboard, particularly if it is hard to keep your hands off it.

Tags: Respect by Marcia Hall
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Last week, a friend of mine told me of a time she talked with a job candidate who wore a houndstooth sports coat to the interview.  The pattern in his jacket distracted her so much that she couldn’t concentrate on what he was saying.

In these times of high unemployment, it matters even more that job seekers pay attention to what they wear. The first impression may be the last, and it is important to allow the interviewer to focus on character and skills rather than on clothes.  My friend mentioned that a Mickey Mouse tie or really short skirt might not make the best impression!

Tags: Professionalism by Marcia Hall
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