Every time you vouch for someone, you’re co-signing with your reputation. Choose who you co-sign for.

A recommendation transfers credibility from you to another person. If they perform, some of it comes back with interest; if they do not, the cost lands on you, because the person who trusted your word was let down. That is the whole mechanism, and it is why casual endorsements are expensive.

Before you recommend someone, ask whether you would be comfortable being judged by what they do next. If the answer is uncertain, say something narrower and true rather than something broad and generous. Vouching less often is what makes it worth something when you do.