One thing is for certain; always remember that the smallest of grievances can scar your good name just as easily as a headlined misdeed. If left unchecked, sooner or later you can count on them to come back and bite you.

Finally, to ultimately be effective, reputation management has to be a continuous and ongoing process. Everyone on the credit union's team is on stage, not just for the shift but 24/7, so it's important that everyone be constantly reminded about their role and the influence they exert on the success of the organization.

It's a responsibility we all share — not just to the credit union—but to one another as professionals, as reputation ambassadors, and as people helping people.

Here are my 5 simple rules for safeguarding the reputation of your credit union. Feel free to add your rules to the list as well.

1) Always acknowledge and respond politely and professionally to others.

It's the littlest of things that can make the biggest negative impression. Respond in a timely manner to your emails and phone calls. When someone emails you a simple question, don't choose to avoid them by simply not responding to their inquiry. Choosing to ignore or not acknowledge a person is a sure way to sow seeds of frustration and disrespect deep within their perception of you.

2) Keep your word.

If you say you're going to do something, do it. There is no better way to undermine your credibility and detract from your authority than by not keeping your word or breaking a promise.

3) Behave as if you're always on stage.

Whether at the office, behind the wheel or at the grocery store, behave as if you're always on stage. Like it or not, you're a public figure because you are associated with an organization serving the public. They may not know your name but more often they will remember your face from working the teller line at the credit union.

4) Be prudent in what you post in the social media.

Do you really want to post that political comment? What about Facebook and all the photos of you with a cocktail in hand at all those Happy Hours? They may present you as the life of the party but they can also make you out to be a big lush as well, more focused on partying and drinking than on your responsibilities. Really, do I want to trust my money with you?

5) Be present to the other person.

Make people feel important by giving them your utmost time and attention. Look them in the eye when you are shaking their hand and being introduced, not over their shoulder at the next person whose hand you'll shake. When attending a meeting, engage those with whom you are meeting. Don't be texting or paying more attention to your email and Twitter feeds.

Now, be sure to share these Five Simple Rules with others. Remember, it's a responsibility we all share.

Walt Laskos is a relationship-building executive and principal of The Laskos Group in Temecula, Calif.