The Power of Reputation

by Chris Komisarjevsky

Success is built on a foundation of character, communication, and trust. To accomplish our goals, people must believe in us. The Power of Reputation offers businesspeople an action plan for creating the kind of reputation that generates trust, inspires confidence, and provides a professional advantage. As a professor and public relations professional, author Chris Komisarjevsky shares his acute awareness of the importance of reputation with readers by imparting personal stories from his years of experience as well as sharing interviews with distinguished business leaders. You’ll learn how to identify and reinforce the values behind your reputation, earn respect by respecting others, engage people through constructive and open communication, and build strong connections by personalizing your approach to everything you do.We judge people in business the same way we judge those in our personal lives. We listen to what they say, watch how they behave, and take note of the results of their actions. Using instructive real-world examples, The Power of Reputation reveals how to leverage the remarkable power of a reputation at work that’s rooted in authenticity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2012

About the author

CHRIS KOMISARJEVSKY retired as worldwide chief executive officer of Burson-Marsteller, one of the world’s leading global public relations and public affairs firms, in 2005, after a 35-year career in public relations. He is the coauthor of Peanut Butter and Jelly Management.

Reviews

[Mari McR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best part of this relatively short book are the many quotes the author collected from innovative and strategic C-Suite leaders, his mentors, history's heroes such as Abraham Lincoln, and courageous poets as Maya Angelou. This is beyond reputation as relates to the office or work environment. The exercises of introspection and of personal goals are gold. Mr. Komisarjevskly presents practical, simple to follow day-to-day wisdom on how to succeed at work, with friends, and be a more loving, compassionate member of your family.

[Clark Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all have an asset or liability, which is reputation. There are both good and bad reputations. When entering business, education, or some other endeavor how others perceive us is extremely important. Failure or success in our chosen fields is a measure not only how we do the job, but also how we relate to those we serve.

Chris Komisarjevsky in “The Power of Reputation” stresses that it is very important to relate to others in a positive way. This is a book, which is for any field, not just professionals. Many times, there are mechanics that seem to always have so many customers that an appointment is necessary to get even the simplest repair. There is a reason for this! The shop or mechanic has a good reputation. They do what they promise by being fair in pricing and diagnosis. Then there is the other side where no matter who the customer, it is a surprise for charge or the work performance. This is earning a bad reputation.

In simple terms, the relationship between reputation and being successful in customer service or business is how others see you. Many techniques employed in this book are not new. Leaders of industry, government, and educators words show how reputation is a powerful tool.

Komisarjevsky breaks down three sections that he feels are determinative in building reputation. Character, Communication and Trust are these tools. Each section is broken into chapters with methodology, which is easy to follow.

The author has a stellar reputation as a public relations professional with over 35 years in the field. He retired in 2005 as worldwide chief executive officer of Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries. He has written other books and articles relating to Public Relations. In addition, he is Professor and Chair in Public Relations at Boston University.

Some examples used are not new. However, to emphasize how perception of coworkers is very important, Chris tells of the MBA graduate who swept the floor of a factory on his first day at work. Everyone needs to start at the bottom and work his or her way up to gain the respect of fellow employees. No job is too menial! Being able to do the work expected of others strengthens the bonds so they will follow orders amicably. Building character in this manner gains respect, this all builds upon reputation.

Listening attentively and showing that understanding other points of view is a highlight of the communication section. Speaking or talking according to Chris should only be after listening. Some of the best communicators are the best listeners. Putting an action plan into motion, which will have broad effect, should only happen after careful consideration. Being able to explain how a plan is going forward also entails communicating the reasoning behind it.

“The Power of Reputation” is not a textbook, though it could be! It is a guide to being effective in whatever business or field there is. This is highly recommended for a better career and is a five star book for everyone!

[John Stepper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sound advice, delivered in a grandfatherly way, from someone who's military and corporate experience has shaped his worldview. Not as engaging as Dale Carnegie, perhaps, but written in a similar tone.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Information was helpful. It was a fair book. Hoped it was more. I will leave it at that.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about the importance of your reputation, how to cultivate your reputation, and how to fix your reputation should it become damaged.

[Tadas Talaikis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dropped after story about mentions of Enron and Lehman with "worst CEOs". This is dumb "after the fact" reputation, not a proof reputation works before the visibility.

[Mohammad alshawan · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book that separates the real life from true lies

[Brian Basilico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book. At times it lacks purpose and flow, but still a good read!

[BLACK CAT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice to try to become and be known as a good person.