Reputation Is Earned, Not Claimed

BY ISAAC ASABOR 

In contemporary Nigeria, a curious trend is emerging: the frequent invocation of the phrase “I have a reputation to protect.” It has almost become a default response when someone feels slighted or defamed. While it is commendable to value one’s reputation, the deeper question is whether reputation can be self-ascribed or inherently earned through actions, consistency, and public perception.

This phenomenon raises a profound issue: how do we define reputation, and who gets to decide who has one? Can anyone simply declare himself or herself a person of high repute, or must he or she earn that status through deeds, character, and contributions to society?

Given the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to ask, “What is Reputation?”  To answer the preceding question, it is germane to say that reputation, at its core, is the collective perception of an individual based on his or her actions, words, and relationships over time. It is an external validation, a reflection of how others see you. It is not a title one can claim unilaterally. Instead, reputation grows organically, shaped by the impressions and experiences of those we interact with.

Unlike titles or accolades that can be bestowed, reputation is intangible. It cannot be bought, borrowed, or manufactured. It is painstakingly built over time but can be destroyed in seconds by a single act of dishonesty, hypocrisy, or betrayal of trust.

In Nigeria, where societal values are often communal, reputation holds a particularly significant weight. A good name is cherished more than material wealth. It determines social standing, opens doors of opportunity, and influences how others engage with you.

However, the increasing tendency for individuals to declare their own reputation as a shield against criticism or accountability suggests a misunderstanding of what reputation truly entails.

Take, for instance, the scenario where a businessperson whose integrity is questioned loudly proclaims, “I have a reputation to protect.” Such proclamations, rather than addressing the substantive issues at hand, often serve as a diversion, shifting attention away from the core matter. Similarly, when a public figure insists on his or her reputation as a defense against perceived defamation, the public is left wondering: does reputation protect itself, or is it the public that defends it on your behalf?

In fact, reputation cannot be self-ascribed. This is because reputation thrives on external validation. It is the community, not the individual that determines one’s standing in society. You may think of yourself as reputable, but if the collective opinion differs, your self-perception holds little sway.

When individuals loudly declare their reputation, it sometimes exposes a vulnerability: the fear of losing face. But reputation cannot be bolstered by rhetoric alone. No one can argue their way into being regarded as honorable or trustworthy. The only real defense of reputation is a track record of actions that align with integrity, accountability, and fairness.

Moreover, the louder the proclamation, the more it seems to highlight an insecurity about the claim. True reputation speaks for itself. It needs no loudspeaker or self-promotion.

In fact, reputation is earned, not claimed. History is replete with individuals who earned reputations through their deeds, often without saying a word about their standing. In fact, the most reputable figures rarely felt the need to declare their repute. Their actions, resilience, and character were enough to inspire the admiration of their peers and society at large.

Think about icons of service and leadership in various fields. Their reputations were built on years of consistency, sacrifice, and impact. On the flip side, there are many who loudly proclaimed their so-called reputation but were exposed for lacking substance.

Without a doubt, earning a reputation is a painstaking process. It involves consistency, and it entails doing the right thing consistently, even when no one is watching.

Earning a reputation also involves being a person of integrity at all times, especially by standing firm on principles, even when it is inconvenient.

In the same vein, earning a reputation entails being accountable at all times. This can be achieved by taking responsibility for one’s actions and addressing wrongs when necessary.

Also is being of service to others. This is as a reputation is strengthened by contributions to the well-being of others and the community at large.

Without a doubt, there are dangers of self-ascribed reputation. In fact, declaring one’s own reputation without merit can lead to public skepticism. People often question the authenticity of someone who feels the need to assert their honor rather than let it speak for itself.

Additionally, self-ascription can be a slippery slope toward hubris. When individuals believe they are above reproach because they have a “reputation to protect,” they may resist constructive criticism, dismiss accountability, or alienate others.

In extreme cases, such proclamations can escalate tensions in conflicts rather than resolve them. The focus shifts from addressing the underlying issues to defending an abstract concept of “reputation.” This is counterproductive, especially in a society grappling with real challenges requiring collective responsibility and transparency.

At this juncture, it is expedient opine that the way forward is by protecting reputation through actions.

For those who value their reputation, the emphasis should not be on declaring its existence but on embodying its essence. Protecting one’s reputation should mean living in a manner that aligns with ethical standards, demonstrating humility, and being open to feedback.

If someone feels defamed or misrepresented, the appropriate response is not to proclaim one’s reputation but to address the facts with dignity. Letting others speak on your behalf, based on their knowledge of your character and actions, is far more impactful than any self-declaration.

In the end, reputation is earned, not claimed. It is bestowed by the society you interact with, shaped by your actions, and sustained by your consistency. While the urge to protect one’s reputation is natural, the best way to do so is by ensuring that your words and deeds align with the values you profess.

The next time someone in Nigeria, or anywhere else, proclaims they have a reputation to protect, perhaps the question to ask is this: “What have you done to earn it?” If the answer lies in actions that inspire trust, respect, and admiration, then that reputation needs no declaration. It will already be evident to all.