Hey there!

We’ve all been there, right?

You pour your heart into your work, putting in those long hours, delivering results, and genuinely wanting to make a difference — yet somehow your manager just doesn’t see it. It’s frustrating. It’s like shouting into a void and wondering, “Why can’t they see what I’m bringing to the table?”

This disconnect doesn’t just sting emotionally, it hits your career: no promotions, lackluster reviews, that lingering feeling of being undervalued. But here’s the good news: once you understand why these perception gaps happen, and how to flip the script, you can finally realign your professional brand and get back on track.

Big Idea:​
If you want others to truly appreciate what you do, you can’t just “explain yourself” to them. Words alone won’t cut it. You need to show a new version of you that’s impossible to ignore.

So, before we dive into how to fix this, let’s talk about what NOT to do. Here are the biggest mistakes that keep you stuck where you are:

Mistake #1: Ignoring the Feedback Entirely​
If you brush off what others say — even if you don’t agree — you’re basically screaming, “I’m not willing to change!” That locks you into the same old story, and nobody’s going to rewrite it for you.

Mistake #2: Trying to Argue Your Way Out of a Bad Perception​
Think about it: have you ever convinced someone you’re amazing by telling them how amazing you are? Probably not. People need to see your growth, not just hear about it.

Mistake #3: Assuming One Quick Fix Will Solve Everything​
No single “grand gesture” can repair a year’s worth of misunderstandings. It’s like expecting one raindrop to end a drought. Building trust takes time, consistency, and patience.

Why do we fall into these traps? Because admitting someone sees us differently than we see ourselves stings. It’s easier to say, “They just don’t get it,” than it is to adjust. But guess what: if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting the same results.

This is your reminder that actions and emotions trump explanations every single time.

So, how do we turn this around? Let’s break it down into actionable steps:

Step #1: Identify exactly what’s not working and own your role in it

The very first step to rebuilding your professional brand is identifying exactly what’s not working and taking responsibility for it. You can’t fix what you can’t see. If you don’t clearly pinpoint the issues holding you back, you’ll keep spinning your wheels without making real progress.

Many believe if they just stay the course, people will eventually appreciate their “true intentions.” This is a myth. Waiting passively won’t change how others see you.

Instead, look at the feedback head-on even if it stings. Imagine the feedback is about someone else and ask, “What would I tell them to improve?” This makes it easier to see the behavior objectively, so you know what to adjust.

Let’s say the feedback is that you interrupt others in meetings. If you pretend it’s about a coworker, you might say: “They should slow down, let others finish speaking, and really listen.” By doing this, you know exactly what you need to change in your own behavior.

When you acknowledge what’s off and accept your part in it, you set a solid foundation for genuine improvement. It’s the first move toward transforming how others see you.

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Step #2: Show consistent positive changes in your daily behavior (not just talk)

The next step to rebuilding your professional brand is showing consistent positive changes in your daily behavior—actions, not just words. People believe what they see, not what you promise. Real, visible improvements earn trust far more than explanations or excuses ever will.

A common mistake is thinking one dramatic gesture - a big apology or a standout presentation will flip perceptions overnight. It won’t. A single event can’t erase months or years of old impressions.

Instead, pick one clear behavior to improve and do it repeatedly. If feedback says you don’t listen, start every meeting by inviting others to share first. Over time, these small, repeated changes prove you’re genuinely evolving.

Imagine you previously cut people off during discussions. Now, you pause, let them finish, and thank them for their input. After several weeks, your team notices this isn’t a one-time act—it’s the new you.

By making consistent, positive changes day after day, you rewrite your story in the minds of others. Eventually, they stop clinging to old perceptions and recognize the growth you’ve worked so hard to show.

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Step #3: Get ongoing support and honest feedback to keep improving

The last step to rebuilding your professional brand is seeking ongoing support and honest feedback so you never stop getting better. No one gets to the top alone. External input helps you catch blind spots you can’t see on your own and refines your progress at every stage.

Some people believe they can fix everything solo. That’s a myth. Without fresh perspectives, you risk missing hidden habits that hold you back.

Instead, involve mentors, peers, or managers. Ask them to observe your interactions and tell you what’s working and what still needs improving. Use company training or workshops to sharpen your skills.

If your goal is to be more collaborative, ask a mentor to sit in on a team call and note when you encourage input. Afterward, they’ll tell you what you did well and where you can improve. Next time, you apply their advice, getting even better results.

By continually seeking guidance and adjusting based on real feedback, you ensure that your reputation keeps evolving in the right direction. With the right support, you don’t just improve once—you keep growing over the long haul.

If you make these changes now, you’re telling a whole new story about who you are at work. While others stay stuck in the old narrative, you’ll be writing a fresh chapter where you’re seen as the capable, trusted, and valued professional you’ve always known yourself to be.

That’s it!

As always, thanks for reading.

Hit reply and tell me what stuck with you this week — I’d love to know what’s clicking for you!

See you next week,
Gaurav