Laura Slingo 
Get ahead by building a positive personal brand in the workplace - here's how
Being too nice at work can actually hold workers back. However, most British employees would do their utmost to not let colleagues down, making them one of the most helpful and honest nationalities of workers. That's why it's important to cultivate a positive reputation at work.
In fact, according to a report from HR Grapevine, 84% of poeple report that their friends or work colleagues regularly come to them for advice, with a further 70% saying that they would always help a co-worker who was struggling.
It's acts like these, plus what other people say about you, that create your reputation in the workplace - and it's important to consider. Your overall reputation can provide leverage in your job, your career, and your life in general.
Therefore, if you want to build a positive and strong reputation at work, heed the following advice.
1. Go above and beyond what's expected
The first way to start building a good reputation as a new hire is by going above and beyond what's expected.
This can be done by taking on a range of additional duties, such as providing three examples when you were only asked for one, or sending a project across in the afternoon instead of the next morning.
Going above what's expected of you and taking on additional duties will work wonders and make you stand out.
2. Offer your opinion with tact
As an employee, you need to remember that you have been hired because you have the skills and knowledge to make the company better. Therefore, your opinion is extremely valuable.
If you want to create a good reputation, remember it's much better to offer your opinion with tact rather than bluntly or not at all. By offering your thoughts appropriately, via suggesting rather than questioning, for example, you will refrain from serving a side dish of rudeness.
As a result, not only will you prove that you're great to work with, but you'll show you're knowledgeable and forward-thinking, too.
3. Keep the complaining on the down low
We all know that work can be tough at times. But rather than complaining to everyone in the office like your old aunt Jill on her porch, it's better to handle your feelings of negativity in a much more constructive manner.
Complaining is a seriously toxic behaviour and, as you may expect, complainers don't have the most professional of reputations as they just bring everyone else down and ruin positive work environments. Therefore, to avoid a crumbling workplace reputation, try to develop solutions or take a different outlook.
4. Go the extra mile to help others
Another way to add worthwhile weight to your reputation is by going the extra mile to help your colleagues. Whether that's by offering an extra hand when you know they're inundated with paperwork or simply making them look great in a meeting, helping out your colleagues can be extremely rewarding for your morals and your career. It can also show your boss that you're ready to take on more opportunities.
5. Do what you say you'll do - consistently!
Doing what you say you'll do will help to build your positive reputation at work in several ways.
Firstly, it shows that you're a team player, you can be counted on, and that you can deliver effectively. Secondly, it shows that you're trustworthy and that you can maintain confidences in all matters about the workplace. Finally, it shows that you know your stuff and that you can take the pressure - all key traits in a successful individual.
Follow these five simple steps, and you'll build a positive reputation at work and be heading on the home straight to career success in no time.
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