Is there anything you can do when you suffer reputational damage?

Whether you accidentally sent your boss an NSFW email intended for your boyfriend, got a little too rowdy at the company picnic, or were caught in a flat-out lie, it's important to make efforts to repair your damaged professional reputation. After all, reputation is everything because it impacts career opportunities and relationships with colleagues and leaders. 

When your reputation takes a hit, you can lose out on raises, promotions, potential mentors, or even job leads later in your career – all of which can have a negative impact on your bottom line (i.e., the balance in your checking account). No one wants to stick their neck out for the guy who's getting called into HR the morning after a company event.

This guide will help you learn how to perform some damage control for your professional reputation.

Common reasons for reputation damage

Aside from NSFW emails and getting caught in compromising positions, there are myriad ways your reputation can go sour. Let's take a look at a few. 

  • Miscommunication: Sometimes, a simple typo in a professional email can wreak havoc on your reputation. These types of things generally happen when you're rushing through something. The result is confusion and frustration, causing people to think they can't trust what you say.

  • Conflicts: It happens! People get into a tiff about something, and things go awry. 

  • Mistakes or oversights: Did you send Client A's file to Client B? Oops! This is the sort of mistake that can damage your professional reputation.

  • Unprofessional behavior: If you repeatedly show up late or miss deadlines, you'll gain a reputation for being unreliable. 

So, when one of these things happens, it's time to do some damage control to your professional reputation. 

How to repair your reputation: Action steps

It may seem like it would be hard to repair a damaged reputation, but with a bit of work, it's definitely doable. Here's what you need to do. 

Acknowledge your mistakes

Take a step back and consider what you did or said that's called your professional reputation into question. Who was involved, where did it happen, and who from your organization knows or has been affected by the incident? Acknowledging what went wrong shows maturity and a willingness to improve. 

Be honest and apologize

Thanks to the internet, social media, video cameras, and mobile devices, the chances of getting caught in a lie are highly likely. The worst thing you can do is blatantly lie; the best thing you can do is apologize. Avoid using phrases like, “I'm sorry you were offended, but…” The best way to cancel an apology is to attach it to a justification. 

Move on but demonstrate consistent improvement

The more you dwell on the issue or continue bringing it up with your coworkers, the longer the stink of it will hang in the air. What's done is done. Make the necessary apologies and move forward. Learn how to recognize your triggers so you can avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Also, work on your skills:

  • If the problem was a miscommunication, take courses that improve your communication skills.

  • If you missed a critical deadline, learn how to be better organized.

  • If you got into a tussle with a colleague, reach out for help managing your emotions. 

Seek constructive feedback

The best way to improve your reputation in the workplace is to demonstrate your professionalism going forward. Make it a goal to be a model employee and look for opportunities to add value to the company outside your regular duties. Team up with a manager or other mentor so you'll have someone in your corner who can tell you if things are starting to go off the rails again. When you're open to constructive criticism, you show that you're committed to bettering yourself. 

Reputations can be rebuilt

It can take years to build your professional reputation, but it only takes a few mistakes to fall out of favor with your peers. You may not be able to repair the damage overnight, but if you handle the situation correctly, you'll be back on the right track. Reputations may be fragile, but they're also resilient. 

As you do damage control on your professional reputation, don't forget the power of a strong resume – especially since it's the first impression you're likely to make on prospective employers. Make sure it reflects your best qualities. TopResume will review your resume for free to ensure that it's ready to help you rebuild your career.

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