How to change your reputation at work, beyond new behavior

“It’s easier to change behavior than to change reputation.” Executive coaches know this is true. I’ve seen it many times.

I saw it in “Bill,” who had just been promoted to senior vice president. He worked hard to develop his skill in delegating work to others instead of trying to do it all himself. But a year later, his colleagues still saw him as a micromanager.

Then there was “Stephanie.” She succeeded in eliminating her habit of making angry, snarky remarks when she was under stress. But again, many months later others still regarded her as temperamental and aggressive. Needless to say, this was very discouraging to the clients who had worked so hard to make these changes.

How to change your reputation at work

The solution to this challenge lies in recognizing that you have to consciously work toward two goals. Most of the time, behavior change alone is not enough. You have to actively change your reputation as well. My favorite tactic is to tell your colleagues what you are working on. Ask them to help by watching for the change and providing feedback. This has two benefits. First, it focuses your peers on noticing the change. Second, it shows that you are willing to be vulnerable, to admit what you are trying to change, and to enlist your colleagues to help you.

Sometimes I use 360° feedback at the beginning and the end of coaching to measure a client’s progress. I always ask respondents to focus on what they have observed recently and what has changed in the client’s behavior. This helps the respondents, the client, and me to overcome the trap of a lingering, out-of-date reputation.

How to change your reputation within

But there’s another challenge which is at least as difficult. Besides the persistence of others’ out-of-date views of you, there is also your perception of yourself. So often, we continue to see ourselves in ways that are no longer valid. Sometimes this is a deep psychological problem. For example, “Andrew” was bullied as a child and now continues to see himself as unattractive and unlikeable even though he has turned into handsome and competent adult. This kind of problem usually requires working with a good therapist. 

But often, changing your perception of yourself is not that difficult. One tactic is to look at yourself as if you were looking at someone else. “Hmm, in the last few meetings Gail has been a good listener and has not dominated the conversation. I guess she’s actually a receptive and open leader. That’s great!”

Changing behavior is hard. Changing reputation is harder. And changing your self-perception can be the hardest of all. But it’s worth it — and a good coach can help you get there faster.

If you’d like to know more about making changes, contact me at ggolden@gailgoldenconsulting.com.