Spooky Action at a Distance is a Quantum Physics concept. The premise is that two particles share the exact properties regardless of their physical distance. It is possible for two particles, separated by many light years to behave identically. Particles have many properties, but if we look at spin alone, these two particles will have the same spin regardless of their proximity. When the spin direction or speed of one changes, the other changes as well. There is no delay; it is instantaneous. Albert Einstein and Erwin Schrodinger both discuss this behavior in papers published in the 1930s. Einstein had difficulties believing that this behavior was possible. He coined the phrase “spooky action at a distance,” and the concept became the EPR paradox.

Our reputations are very similar to this concept. The good we do, the reputations we build and the work product we produce flow through connections near and far. Positive actions on our part move through this Spooky Action to colleagues and associates without our interaction. We have no control over the story, opinion or our reputation. Over time, reputation grows but needs care and feeding.

Mistakes or misdeeds act the same way. Ironically, they carry a much stronger influence on our reputations. They move the same way as good deeds, but their negative impact has much more weight and importance. Peers, counterparts and influencers notice bad much more quickly than good, and the negative comments spread more rapidly and to a broader audience than positive comments.

Fortunately, there are actions we can take to make negative comments less impactful. Critical or harmful comments are inevitable throughout our personal and professional career. Addressing issues at the time they occur will help keep them from making it into the spooky action flow. When a customer or client is dissatisfied or disappointed with your work, do not avoid it. Take immediate action to remediate the situation and reset the expectations. Take the blame for the problems you cause. Discuss the issue with your counterpart and ensure the issue gets resolved. Do not let the difficulties brew without taking action. Both parties may not agree on the outcome, but they can walk away with the feeling of resolution.

Reputations flourish when there is give and take. Be sure to recommend others whenever possible. Do it because it’s right and not because you expect something in return. Don’t talk about me. Talk about us. What we do is stronger and more inclusive. Recognize that your counterparts made you who you are and deserve as much or more credit. Spend more time learning about what you don’t do well so that you can focus on your strengths.

Many years ago I called an unhappy client. I heard that he had issues with work we were doing for his company. It became a very heated conversation with a great deal of shouting and anger. The conversation continued for 15 minutes or so. We were not going to agree on a complete resolution. As we neared the end of the awkward conversation I asked him, “Can we agree to disagree?” and he said yes. I asked if we were in a good place and whether he had more to say and he said no. I listened to him, and he listened to me, and we remain friends to this day. I confronted the situation as soon as I knew there was an issue and stayed with it until we were both satisfied with the results.

Spooky action exists throughout our personal and professional careers. Unselfish behavior, recommending others and understanding our strengths build good reputations. Difficulties arise and must be dealt with as they happen.

It takes a lifetime to build your reputation. Avoiding conflict or difficult relationships can negatively impact that work in an instant. Spooky action will occur without you. It’s your responsibility to be proactive to ensure the good you do is synchronous within your universe.