Congratulations to Adam Sandler for his record 11 nominations for the 2011 Razzie awards. For those who don’t know, the Razzies are a spoof of the Academy Awards, offering recognition for the worst movies of the year.

This year Sandler received nominations for three bombs — “Jack and Jill,” “Just Go with It,” and “Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star.” The winners will be announced on April Fool’s Day, April 1.

While it’s great to receive recognition for your efforts, no one wants to be recognized for doing a lousy job. If your reputation precedes you, make sure it’s for the right reasons.

Bad Reputation at Work

There are many different ways in which to get a bad reputation at work. In the article, “How to Avoid a Bad Reputation at Work,” writer Judith Early suggests that some behaviors – being unprepared, sharing too much information, and a lack of confidence – can be your downfall.

However, she adds, “Bad habits are not broken; they are replaced by good ones. It takes persistence and approximately 21 days to develop a new way of doing things.” Good information if you have a bad habit you want to break.

On the other hand, a bad reputation may come through an indiscretion or workplace blunder. While one of the toughest steps is to admit your own mistake, it is the right thing to do if you’ve done something wrong or unwise. Admit you were wrong, apologize if necessary, be sincere, and move on. Moreover, if one of your employees is the one that requires redemption from a mistake, it is important to know how to help them work through workplace blunders.

Good Reputation at Work

“Creating a reputation is not the same as getting a reputation,” or so says the article, “Building a Great Reputation at Work: Boost a Career by Creating the Right Public Image.” Fact is that getting a reputation generally comes from doing the wrong things, whereas creating a reputation is a matter of consciously cultivating your public image; something even a small business owner needs to do.

However, there is a certain way to do it.  Following these three basic steps can help:

• Understand how others currently perceive you
• Determine the reputation you desire
• Actively cultivate the reputation you want

Now many people will tell you the best way to get a good reputation at work is to be nice to coworkers, think before you speak, avoid gossip, and several other simple behaviors to make sure others think well of you. And, yes, these are all admirable behaviors.

However, as well intended as these actions are, they will not do a thing to move you forward in your career or in the world of business. If you hope to attract financial support, develop new customers, retain current customers, or grow your business, your reputation – and by virtue, your company’s reputation – will need to be greater. Visionary. Persistent. Charismatic. Authentic.

No one wants to receive recognition for the wrong reasons. Not even Adam Sandler. Make sure you and your business are recognized for the right reasons.