In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
I recently read an article about how kindness goes a long way in business, and being a “jerk” can follow you further than you think. Your reputation and credibility rely a lot on being liked, being seen as an expert at what you do, and being supported because of how you conduct yourself. Personal branding is a leading method of marketing in every industry. How a person is perceived by their target audience becomes as important as the quality of the work of the business. But on a smaller scale, personal interactions with business associates are impactful, so being kind can go a long way, but losing it can go even further.
I guess this seems like common sense, but it’s not so common. Voltaire had a point. In government contracting, you will often hear what a “small world” it is. Even though there are tens of thousands of businesses, dots are easily connected and word travels fast. Who you know in this industry goes a long way, and your reputation will precede you, especially if it is tarnished. Your allies will be quick to say a nice word about you, but foes will come out of the woodwork and tell everyone they know.
Negative word-of-mouth spreads like wildfire. Especially in our digital world where social media is a preferred pedestal of communication. And for a notoriously close-knit industry, a bad attitude can follow you further than your best day ever had a chance. You can’t please everyone 100% of the time, and knowing areas for improvement can keep you from making the same mistake twice. You need feedback, good and bad. Knowing what you are doing well can help you duplicate the process. Knowing where you faltered can assist you in getting better rather than letting a less-than-perfect performance go unaddressed. But a bad attitude will trump the teachable moment and propel you into banishment from your spheres of opportunity and influence. By all means, be yourself, be real, be honest. Just don’t be a jerk!
When past performance and who you know rules the roost in getting ahead, minding your manners should be noted. Everyone has a bad day, but don’t let it cost you your reputation in an industry where that can be fatal. Think: Six Degrees of Separation.