Lesson 5: Reputation

In middle school, I switched from a public school to a private school. This was the time in my life when I was a scrawny pre-teen spending my afternoons watching reruns of Living Single after school. I was also one of the few Black children accepted to this school. My mom told me to be careful about my reputation because she knew everyone would be watching my behavior. I internalized the idea that it was my responsibility to ensure others had good things to say about me.

Most Black boys and girls have a talk with their parents about the additional scrutiny shouldered by someone with our skin color. First, you have to discover who you are. Next, you must accept that not everyone will see you for who you are. Both steps are a journey of self-reflection and self-assurance. Although it is unfair that Black children carry this additional burden, we learn to reclaim our own narrative as we grow. As I enter business school, I want to write a narrative that portrays me as trustworthy.

“Trust can be a company’s greatest asset.” Richard Thaler said this during a commencement speech at the 2018 University of Chicago Booth Graduation. He encouraged the audience of leaders to create an environment where employees are encouraged to develop “a reputation for fair dealing.” Trustworthy organizations need trustworthy employees who ultimately need trustworthy leaders.

This week I met with an investor, who had started his own investment firm after business school. We were sitting in this French-themed cafe when I asked about his journey as a business leader. He found people who believed in him to invest their money, and in turn he found family-owned businesses whom he trusted to take care of their employees and customers. These businesses excel in their industry thanks to their trustworthy reputation, which allows him to protect the investment of people who first trusted him. 

I fight the urge to believe it is my responsibility to ensure others have good things to say about me. However, I accept the opportunity to earn a trustworthy reputation with people who work with me. The less I focus on everyone who might scrutinize me, the more I can focus on my mission to increase representation of Black leaders at the executive, investor, and board level.

Reputation is Lesson 5. Next week, I will share Lesson 6: Hospitality