A reputation is a fickle thing. It can be very difficult to earn a positive reputation and take only minutes to lose one. Moreover, sometimes, reputations are hard to piece together if they’ve been sufficiently cracked.
You need only look to public figures like Anthony Weiner and his ill-fated run for New York Mayor to see how poor actions can reflect on figures who may be widely respected, ending their career hopes and chance of a future they decide on.
However, it’s also true to say that reputations aren’t always steadfast. Moving to a new area, trying a new profession, or becoming more in tune with yourself can help you build your reputation anew. It’s important to realize that no matter what people think of you – what really matters is how you view yourself.
That said, protecting your image and reputation may be necessary in your line of work, or if you’ve been falsely accused of a problem, or if someone you know by proximity could have their crashing reputation reflect back onto you.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to protect your image in the healthiest, sanest, and most sustainable way:
Find An Attorney If Needed
It’s good to find an attorney if and when you need one. Taking the time to find a criminal defense lawyer is the best way to protect yourself against any criminal accusations, be that a road traffic issue or perhaps financial impropriety.
Remember – trying to convince people that you’re innocent isn’t always going to help, because in a highly charged situation like this, it’s hard to say the perfect thing. One slip-up and people may mistakenly feel convinced that you actually are guilty of anything levied against you. That’s not helpful, and digging your way out of a hole just tends to make a larger hole. Remember to exercise your right to not speak unless you have an attorney.
So, find the right attorney for your needs. Find a criminal defense lawyer. When you’re cleared of the charges, you can then offer your perspective and you will look much more dignified by doing so.
Consider Your Conduct
It’s hard not to react emotionally when your reputation is on the line. But we’ve seen that issue take root in many celebrity scandals, and being overly vocal and combative never really helps with such issues.
For example, consider the case of Chris Avellone, one of the most celebrated video game writers in the industry. He was accused of interpersonal misconduct which led him being dropped by many studios.
He released a simple statement, let the process take place, and came out the other side completely clean as the changes were found to be baseless. If he had spent hours publically defending himself (imprecisely, as all quick-reactions are bound to be) as many on Twitter and like platforms do, the damage would have been done, and the positive resolution would have only been a footnote.
Consider Relational Ties
Unfortunately, it’s true that the poor reputation of another can affect you too. Guilt by association is hardly fair, just or in any way intelligent, but unfortunately, it does have an effect. As such, our previous example of Chris Avellone being dropped by many creative projects was deeply understandable – how else were game developers and publishers supposed to react? When accusations such as this float around the air, however unlikely, they can taint those that come to the defense of others.
It’s why companies have social media policies that are stringently enforced. If you act poorly online, employers are within their rights to let you go and prevent that from affecting them. In some ways, then, distancing yourself from figures that may have a crashing reputation, albeit temporarily, can help you preserve yours. It may sound that standing by people through thick and thin is the best way forward and the most noble goal, and it can be, but it’s not always the most practical decision you could make, even if you offer private support.
Consider Reputational Management
Reputational management services can help you counter negative impressions of you online, put out positive information, counter hysterical social media responses, and help you navigate your way back.
In some cases, that might mean rebranding your small business, trying a new field, or beginning again. However, reputations can be rebuilt and developed. Sometimes, a reputation that has grown back to become stronger and better is more valuable than one which was never besmirched. You need only look to figures like Robert Downey Jr for that.
With this advice, you’re sure to better protect your reputation and image, in all manners both personal and professional.