Managing Reputations Behind the Scenes

𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘯): your opinion about someone or something, or how much respect or admiration someone or something receives, based on past behaviour or character. I recently interviewed someone who shared an example of overcoming a significant early career setback. Their mistake in their twenties damaged their reputation and became a handbrake on their career. I was impressed by their honesty in owning this error of judgement, yet more so by the efforts they had undertaken in the two decades since to address the issue and lead differently. The mistake itself isn't all that important. But it did get me thinking about reputation. I've often said reputations are hard-earned and yet so easily lost. For many of us, it's the most essential professional currency we own and can positively or negatively influence. So, do we spend enough time managing our reputations? Reputations are built over time. It is a gradual process that requires consistent effort, thought and focus. So, how do you set about building or improving your reputation? Here are nine ways you can enhance your reputation. 1. Assess your current reputation: Understand how others perceive you. Seek feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors. 2. Define your values: Determine the principles guiding your behaviour and decisions. This will allow you to project a consistent and authentic image. 3. Build effective relationships: Invest in building positive relationships. Be genuine, supportive, and dependable. Networking and maintaining connections with diverse individuals is a proven way to enhance your reputation. 4. Develop your expertise: Improve your skills and knowledge in your area of expertise. Become a reliable resource by staying current with industry trends and sharing valuable insights. 5. Deliver quality work: Strive for excellence in everything you do. Delivering results will add to your reputation. 6. Seek feedback and learn from it: Listen, accept constructive criticism, and use it to grow. Demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt shows humility and a commitment to self-improvement. 7. Engage in positive communication: Communicate respectfully and diplomatically. Avoid gossip, rumours, and negative discussions. Ensure you are known for your discretion. Rise above negativity. 8. Pay it forward: Contributing, paying it forward, and giving back will enhance your reputation, and you will also feel good for doing it. 9. Act with integrity: Demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour in your personal and professional life. Keep your promises, admit mistakes, and treat others with respect. And lastly, you cannot cultivate a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable if you are neither. Accept that mistakes will happen, but that does not need to define you as a person. Be patient, consistent, and genuine in your actions. Over time, your efforts will contribute to a stronger and more favourable reputation.

It’s only the first weekend of 2025, and corporate reputation crises are already making headlines. In today’s ultra-connected, fast moving business environment, reputation challenges can escalate at unprecedented speed. And while corporate reputation is more important than ever, traditional crisis management approaches are often woefully outdated in today's complex stakeholder environment. Many organizations are still treating reputation management as something to be managed after a crisis has hit rather than what it needs to be - a proactive strategic business priority requiring senior executive involvement and cross-functional integration. In my three decades in journalism and corporate communications, I've seen how a more integrated approach makes a tangible difference. The most resilient organizations build reputation management into their DNA by: ✅ Integrating reputation risk assessments into strategic planning ✅ Developing early warning systems across departments ✅ Ensuring alignment between business strategy and corporate reputation ✅ Fostering a culture where issues surface early rather than explode later In my article “Building Resilience in the Age of Advocacy and Activism” in this quarter's SID Directors Bulletin, I outline how organisations can move beyond reactive crisis management to proactive reputation building. They need to start with clear outcomes, assess risks systematically, engage stakeholders authentically, and drive these efforts through strong leadership. The stakes are simply too high to treat reputation management as an afterthought. In an era where operational risks rapidly transform into reputational ones, building trust requires a more strategic, integrated approach. What are your concerns and perspectives on corporate reputation? You can find my full article in the latest SID Directors Bulletin below for more on building organizational resilience in today's complex environment. Thanks Yang Wai Wai and Singapore Institute of Directors for the invite to write. #CorporateStrategy #ReputationManagement #LeadershipCommunication #OrganizationalResilience

A few months ago, I worked with a client whose brand was on the verge of a crisis. Despite offering a top-tier product, they were struggling to maintain customer trust. Their reputation had taken a hit, and they weren’t sure how to recover. As a brand strategist, I knew the solution wasn’t just about fixing their product—it was about rebuilding trust, consistency, and perception. Here’s what we included in the strategy to turn things around: - We owned up to mistakes—transparency is everything.  - We stayed consistent across every channel - We listened to customers and adapted. The result? Not only did they recover, but their brand reputation became stronger than ever. They became a brand people trusted. This experience solidified for me the importance of managing brand reputation with intention and strategy. Your brand is more than a logo or a product—it’s the perception you create in the minds of your audience. Manage that perception wisely, and your brand can weather any storm. P.S. If your brand needs auditing its reputation, it might be time to revisit your strategy. Let’s chat! PSS: To get full details on how we fixed the brand reputation, head over to my blog using the link in my bio Happy new week #BrandingwithFH

Businesses of all sizes are facing a PR challenge like never before. A tsunami of online outrage that often comes out of nowhere and catches them unprepared. Recently, a high-profile news event prompted employees, and owners, to share opinions on social media. They quickly found out that personal posts have professional consequences. As the kids would say, their social media channels blew-up. From Fortune 500 companies to small local businesses, these situations show how employee activity can rapidly impact brand reputation, customer perception, and online reviews. For example: Lucius Q BBQ – A co-owner faced backlash after controversial social media posts. The company quickly distanced itself, lost vendor contracts, and saw high-profile relationships severed.  Office Depot – A manager refused to fulfill a printing request. The incident led to termination, public backlash, and a company apology, along with reinforced training on customer respect and nondiscrimination. Tips to prepare and respond: 🔹Develop and share a clear social media policy with all employees.  🔹Train leaders and staff on crisis communication best practices.  🔹Monitor social conversations for early warning signs.  🔹Respond with transparency and empathy when situations escalate. After 15+ years in this game, I’ve seen what happens when companies aren’t ready. A few missteps online and suddenly a manageable problem turns into a full-blown headache. Planning ahead isn’t glamorous, but it’s what keeps brands, and people, out of the fire. PR crises don’t wait. And neither can your strategy. #CrisisCommunications #ReputationManagement #CommunicationsStrategy #LeadershipCommunication #EmployeeEngagement 

I was stormed with messages from across the globe since yesterday - from memes to the questions : what would you have done to contribute from a reputational pov? Some reflections below from a corporate view. 📺When Private Moments Go Public: A Reminder on Reputation basics. Over the past few days, many of us watched a personal moment go viral — captured during a concert, involving a tech CEO, and now dissected endlessly online. The internet has a way of turning the intimate into the global in seconds. But beyond the gossip, there’s a deeper lesson at play. When public trust collides with private behavior, the impact on reputation, culture, and stakeholder confidence can be profound — regardless of guilt, context, or intent. Here are 5 reminders every leader, board, and communications team should keep close in times like these: 🔹 1. 🧊 Acknowledge, Don’t Amplify Say enough to show accountability, but don’t fuel the fire. Graceful silence can be more powerful than defensive noise. 🔹 2. 🧭 Separate Personal & Professional Remind stakeholders that your focus and responsibility to the organization remains unchanged — unless that’s no longer true. 🔹 3. 🗣️ Align Internal & External Messaging Your team should hear clarity from you, not chaos from social media. Consistency is credibility. 🔹 4. 🏛️ Protect the Institution First If the individual’s role puts the company at reputational risk, a temporary step-back or restructure may serve everyone best. 🔹 5. 📊 Monitor & Adapt in Real Time Use sentiment analysis and media tracking to stay ahead. Crisis tone shifts fast — your response should too. RELEVANT REMINDERS: Reputation is no longer shaped only by boardrooms or press releases — it’s shaped by every camera lens and every comment section. Crisis communications is no longer a back-office function. It’s a strategic leadership asset. Modern leadership means managing everything that shapes trust — onstage, backstage, and online. Let’s use these moments not for judgment, but for reflection. #CrisisManagement #Reputation #Communications #ExecutivePresence #TrustInLeadership