Six "Be's" to Recovering Reputation

                  
I received this question in an email this week.


“I blew it. I was wrong and I know it. I did something that I should not have done, thinking it would be quick and easy and no one would know the difference. They noticed – and now I’ve compromised their trust. How do I go about rebuilding that trust and my own reputation?”


The Colonel (my father) used to say, “It takes a lifetime of work to build a good name and only one ‘ah poop’ to tear it down.” The realization that you have committed a mistake that can send your hard earned reputation crumbling down around you is often crushing. When that happens, it is important to shift your focus away from the rubble of self-doubt and recrimination, and concentrate your energy on reconstruction.
To start the rebuilding process, I recommend you focus on six “Be’s.”


•  Be honest – Admit you have made a mistake and commit to being wholly truthful and transparent going forward.

•  Be accountable – Accept responsibility for the error you have made. Agree to accept the consequences that result from that error.

•  Be apologetic – Whenever appropriate, offer sincere apologies for the damage or harm caused by your words or actions.

•  Be accessible – Hiding from the situation will not make it better. Be just as visible and approachable as you were before you made your faux pas.

•  Be committed to growth – Be willing to learn and grow from the situation so you don’t find yourself in an identical predicament again.

•  Be action oriented – The classic adage, “What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you say,” is timeless and true. Put your remorse into action rather than just words.


Rebuilding your reputation will not happen easily or quickly. If you are diligent and patient it can be accomplished.


I am interested to hear from my readers. What additional suggestions would you offer the fellow who sent me this email?