It always comes as a shock to find out that others see us quite differently than we see ourselves. More often than not, this can be a distressing revelation—particularly at work. And thanks to word of mouth and social media, a bad reputation can stick like glue.

In today’s highly competitive workplace, reputation makes a difference. Your competition can be down the hall, across the country or 10 feet away. It can be someone who wants your customers, your job or maybe both.

When it comes to your reputation, hoping for the best isn’t good enough—that leaves it in the hands of others. You need to actively shape and manage your reputation to reflect the way you want to be viewed. Here’s how:

1) Take on extra work. You’ve got more than enough on your plate. Why pile on more? It demonstrates your ability to shoulder a heavier load. That doesn’t go unnoticed.

2) Meet deadlines. “I didn’t have enough time” may be the top excuse for failing to meet deadlines, as if something beyond your control intervened and caused you to fail. What really happens is that you run out of time—and that’s due to poor planning.

3) Come up with ideas to improve something. It isn’t that most people don’t have ideas; it’s simply that they’re afraid to present them. What will people think? Maybe it’s stupid? Take a chance. You’ll be surprised.

4) Express appreciation to someone who helps. We all get busy and move from one thing to another, and before we know it, several people have come to our aid. Just another day at the office? It shouldn’t be. Make it a point to say thanks.

5) Give credit to others. Giving a shout-out to a co-worker may feel like it diminishes your own contributions. But just the opposite is true. It says you understand what it means to be a team player.

6) Pitch in when someone is out. Whether it’s taking messages, answering questions or solving a problem, this shows you have their back. It won’t be forgotten.

7) Ask questions. We’ve all been in meetings where stuff goes by that’s new, unclear or confusing. So ask the question—it shows you’re thinking. Don’t assume you’re the only one who didn’t get it.

8) Be careful about complaining. When there’s nothing else to do, particularly at lunch or after work, it doesn’t mean it’s time to complain. Complaining can be toxic. Those who indulge put their reputation at risk.

9) Welcome new co-workers. First impressions are indelible. Make sure you’re remembered.

10) Go out of your way to help customers. Look at awkward requests as opportunities, not interferences. Customers like to talk about the times when someone did something special for them.

11) Offer suggestions so others don’t trip themselves up. “Would it be helpful to look at it this way?” “Have you considered other possibilities?” Such questions can help rescue someone from making an unnecessary mistake. They won’t forget it.

12) Admit when you’re wrong. When you get something wrong, it’s easy to say, “Everybody makes mistakes,” or “I’m only human.” Don’t pass it off. Instead, take ownership with a simple “I was wrong.”

13) If you spot a problem, propose a solution. Identifying problems is a popular workplace pastime. Coming up with possible solutions, not so much. One makes you a complainer; the other makes you a doer.

14) Step back to get a bigger picture. What’s going on in your immediate vicinity may hold your attention, blinding you to the bigger picture and distorting your thinking. As a result, you may react inappropriately. Taking a step back helps you see more clearly.

15) Pay attention to details. Nothing is more disruptive, embarrassing and frustrating than the wrong address or price, a phone number that’s one digit off, a misspelling, or something that was left out. Reputations are built on accuracy.

16) Avoid having someone remind you. Digital calendars and reminders should eliminate the need for someone to remind you, but in many cases they don’t. Show you’re responsible for your duties by not having to be reminded of them.

17) Tell someone when they do a good job. Criticism comes more easily than praise, but most people benefit from less of the former and more of the latter.

18) Welcome challenges. Avoid coasting along at work. When you dare to step out of your comfort zone and take risks, you do more than just hold a job.

19) Smile more. A Penn State study found that smiling employees appear more approachable, likable and competent, as well as more trustworthy.

John Graham of GrahamComm is a marketing and sales strategy consultant and business writer.