I had an opportunity to provide a job reference for a friend today.  I have known and worked with this individual for several years so I was able to provide some valuable input to the prospective employer.  The really good thing is that I was able to give a hearty recommendation and provide some very specific examples of the way my friend sets goals, executes his plans on a daily basis and always does his best.  My friend words well with others and does good work.  He has earned a good reputation and a good name as a result and that is a good thing to have.  The Bible says in Proverbs 22:1

Prov 22:1  A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.

I think  the key to having a “good name” and earning a good reputation is to be genuinely concerned about having a good reputation for being a good steward of the tasks we have been assigned.  I am not saying that we should do our work to please everybody.  No, not at all.  If you have worked very long at all you already know that you can’t please everybody.  The key lies in what Paul said in Colossians 3:23  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men…”  That is the perspective we should have.  It is true, we report to our managers and supervisors.  We owe them an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  But as Christians we are called to do our work heartily as for the Lord, rather than for men.  That’s a higher calling.  That’s a higher standard.  If you do that, you will give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  You will have a good name.  You will earn a good reputation.