Brands spend considerable time and money developing a reputation; individuals do the same, the reality of course is how we feel about the brand or person and how that influences our decisions about them.

My 8 o’clock meeting yesterday morning was with a person I have known for 10 years. Without exception he has been late ever time we’ve met. In light of this I was relaxed at the prospect of 5 minutes late, heavier than expected traffic the cause of my tardiness.

Imagine my surprise when a) he was sitting there waiting for me with b) an almost finished coffee. On the basis of my reputation, he had been 10 minutes early.

Two reputations spectacularly colliding and a reality check for us both.

So, what does your reputation say about you?
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Taking charge, I ask  to order the item, one week delivery is quoted and deemed acceptable (begrudgingly). A week later the shelf is still empty and the grass continues to grow!

Result, unhappy customer, frustrated children unable to enjoy the lawn. Brand reputation of shop keeper diminishing FAST. The solution, drive 90 miles to neighbouring store where six items are gathering dust of the shelf.

Solution: at the first point of contact employee shows initiative does a stock check, orders new items and contacts stores for same. Arranges (at no cost to the customer) for stock transfer and notifies when item is available for collection. Result is happy customer, sale made, reputation maintained.

Come on please, it’s not that difficult. Business owners, unless you adapt you will not survive, employ staff who can and do without those employees who can’t.

How this incident will affect Lewis Hamilton’s reputation in the long term remains to be see.

Lewis is still a young man, how he will be remembered depends on how he conducts himself from now on; it’s not too late for him to establish his name as one of the all-time greats. Perhaps even to transpose his ‘brand’ beyond Formula One. Those who have sought to criticize the young man would benefit from a moments reflection; what would they have done in his situation?

Almost without exception, most people ‘toe-the-company-line’ and go-along with the instruction of their employer. It is the exceptional individual who is true to themselves irrespective of the consequences.

Lewis may be talented and marketable enough to live with the outcomes of such independence. After all, this is the mark of true talent!