Reputation in the Shadows

Part 1: Character

Abraham Lincoln said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

I ran across this quote again a few weeks ago and have been pondering it ever since, even researching commentaries and opinions based off these 24 words. 

It seems to me, at first, that President Lincoln is separating the two, character and reputation, but is he perhaps bridging the two together?  

A shadow that is cast IS PART OF the person (or tree) that cast it – without which a shadow could not be present – so they are connected. 

A reputation is the shadow, the external manifestation of what we are made of, what we stand for, and who we are on the inside.  It is an extension of us, connected forever to our base.

Shadows, like reputations, may change depending on the light, the circumstances, the angle at which we are being viewed.  But it is always there and becomes more prominent, more pronounced, when we are in the spotlight.  It may be a far reaching-long shadow cast beyond even our sight, or it may be a small insignificant shadow that is barely perceptible to the eye.

Reputations can also be far-reaching or nearly non-existent. They often carry a value of either good, bad or indifferent.  In todays world of a star-rating society, like it or not, we all fall into wanting a high-rating from others…a good reputation that extends way beyond our own reach. 

Does it change our character?  Not directly, but it certainly can and often does as we navigate the ever-changing tides of others’ “ratings”.

In reading countless opinions on the subject, some scholars believe that reputation and character are mutually exclusive.  While it is true that people of good character can have a bad rep due to misinterpretation or an ‘incident’, and people of bad character can “trick” people and swindle themselves a good reputation – these are not the norm and are certainly not sustainable.

Regardless, it is delusional to think that what others think of you doesn’t make an impact on your life, because it does. 

How we are seen by others, those external opinions, has a significant impact on the interaction and success we may or may not experience.  It affects how other people respond to us and directly impacts how they will interact with us, if they decide to work with us, what they offer to give us or get from us.

Another delusion many business owners have is the false belief that their personal reputation doesn’t affect their business.  It absolutely does.

Character is internal, reputation is external, but they are bound together in the individual and the business.  Our reputations start with and should be an accurate representation of our character.  By focusing on our character, we will see positive outcomes on our reputation.

But character is not the only component of reputation.  It is the foundation, the starting point.

Reputation is made up of 3 basic components:  Character, Consistency and Conversation

Entire careers, even legacies, have been built on the study of character. Volumes of books, countless hours of lectures have been written and spoken to debate and formulate the “good” character traits for success.  So, what qualities make up “good or positive” characteristics that ultimately result in a “good or favorable” reputation?

Although character is not easily defined…here are some traits, principles, virtues and pillars compiled from decades of philosophers and great thinkers of our time:

Honesty/Trustworthiness                                           
Respect
Responsibility                                                                   
Fairness/Good judgement
Caring/Compassion                                                        
Courage
Faithfulness                                                                     
Morality
Integrity – say what you mean and mean what you say
Purity of Actions (that showcase your values)   

Reputation is not always an accurate representation of character however, it is what the world sees.

Possessing these qualities is one thing, consistently SHOWING them is quite another.  Being true to ourselves and our values and not just trying to impress or saying or doing things JUST to improve our reputation, those types of tactics will back-fire, is vital to gaining and maintaining a good reputation.

“Character is the foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character.  Without character, all effort to attain dignity is superficial, and results are sure to be disappointing.” – R.C. Samsel

Next time we will look at the other two attributes that make up Reputation – Consistency and Conversation.  For now, concentrate on you…what character traits do you portray in your life?