How to Fix a Bad Reputation

Perhaps the phrase conjures up visions of dueling at dawn, but the fact remains that a bad reputation is not to be taken lightly. At work, it can cost you business opportunities, job promotions and customer loyalty. It can hurt your private life as well. Here's how to mend a damaged reputation.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

In your professional life

1. Assess the substance of the bad reputation. Is there any truth to it? Or are you the victim of jealousy or whiners?

2. Seek a second or third opinion from trusted colleagues to determine if there is any validity to your bad reputation.

3. Reconsider your managerial style if you are in a position of leadership. Could you make subtle changes? Are you a good communicator and listener? Do you give clear instructions? Are raises overdue?

4. If you determine that you need to improve a personal attribute, make a commitment to yourself to change your ways.

5. Apologize to employees, clients or customers if you realize that your behavior or words have hurt your professional relationship, and let them know you will work hard to improve the situation.

6. Tell those around you that you're trying to improve. Others will be impressed if you can admit to your own flaws, and they might have some good pointers.

7. Perform one act every single day that counteracts your bad reputation.

8. If the bad reputation is not your fault, find out where it originates. Mention the rumors in a direct but nonconfrontational way: "Burt, I heard that some folks think I am having an affair with Helen in graphics. I'm sure you know there's no truth to the matter." Most gossipmongers will clam up if confronted.

In your private life

1. Examine the way you treat others. Is there any truth to the bad reputation?

2. Seek a second opinion from your spouse, a trusted friend or a therapist. Ask if they have recommendations and listen carefully to their answers.

3. If you determine that you need to improve a personal attribute, make a commitment to yourself to change your ways.

4. Apologize to loved ones whom you have hurt and let them know you will work hard to improve the relationship.

5. Tell others that you're trying to improve. They can hold you to your commitment even when you lapse.

6. Perform one act every single day that counteracts your bad reputation.

7. If you are the victim of malicious gossip, address its source. Be firm yet nonconfrontational. The gossiper is probably jealous, and if you respond with anger or emotion, it will delight him or her no end.

Tips & Warnings

• Some personal attributes that might give you a bad reputation include greediness, selfishness, cruelty, thoughtlessness, flakiness, unfaithfulness, poor hygiene, sloppiness and laziness.

• Some qualities to aspire to are excellent listening skills, the ability to laugh at your flaws, kindness, good manners, cleanliness, discipline, loyalty and honesty.

• Take a genuine approach to your pursuit of self-improvement. Mend your ways because it's the right thing to do, not because you are obsessed with your image.

• The world is full of smallminded people eager to gossip about people in positions of power or those who have enviable traits or talents. If you find yourself the victim of such gossip, develop a thick skin and don't let them get you down.