It’s natural to want to build relationships with influential leaders. But if you neglect the colleagues who work alongside you every day, your reputation can suffer in ways that quietly limit your career. Here’s how to build a reputation that holds up across your entire network.
Invest in your immediate relationships. The people you work with daily influence how others perceive you. Look to understand their priorities, address unresolved tensions, and make sure colleagues experience you as collaborative and supportive.
Balance your network. Before asking senior leaders for support, consider whether you’ve aligned with your manager and key stakeholders. Advocacy from above is valuable, but it can backfire if it weakens trust elsewhere.
Expand your influence. Look beyond your team. Build strong relationships with colleagues in other functions and external stakeholders whose opinions shape your professional reputation.
Define what you’re known for. Think about what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Identify the unique value you bring, the impact you have on others, and whether your actions consistently reinforce that reputation.
