Good Reputation

As I finish up my first decade of consulting and consider what’s next, I’ve been thinking about my reputation. Will I continue as a consultant with some shifts in my practice? Will I make another choice to round out my career? As I weigh my options, my reputation has been on my mind.

I’m a Gen Xer, so I can’t not think of Joan Jett when considering my reputation!

Unlike my pal Joan, from what I can tell, I’ve got a pretty good reputation. I’ve worked hard for that. And I’m sure I’ve benefitted from being white, formally educated, and (mostly) neurotypical.

This post is about a deeper reflection on one’s reputation.

Merriam Webster defines reputation as:

  • overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general

  • recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability

  • a place in public esteem or regard, good name

I want to land on the good side of each of those. But it’s not so simple. Here are a few of my more complicated thoughts and further questions on reputation:

  1. When does maintaining our reputation get in the way of us expressing who we really are? I’ve decided to be forthright about my politics, and have accepted what this might mean for my reputation and consulting practice. Does it matter how we’re seen or judged by others? How do we manage this when we’ve still got to pay the bills?

  2. Keeping up a “good” reputation means that I don’t think I can be as vulnerable as I’d like. I’ve got a reputation for being successful and competent, but sometimes I don’t have enough work! And sometimes I’m really struggling with work, just like everybody else. How do I maintain my reputation and be honest about my challenges at the same time?

  3. Does upholding a “good” reputation also uphold systems and structures of oppression? Uh, yeah. As a consultant who needs to continue working, this is on my mind.

So as I consider my reputation and the remainder of my career, I welcome your feedback on these. And whatever my good reputation means to you, I hope you’ll continue to throw some work my way, too.

Thanks for reading.


Amy BrughComment