You’re not going to like what I have to say. But I need to say it anyway. First impressions matter. Perception is often reality. For better or worse, it’s how people respond to us, treat us, and it has a big impact on our success. The good news is that you have the power to create and control your persona.
The Positive Power of Perception
Here’s an example of the positive power of perception. I’m in this five-star spa surrounded by tempting nibbles and a beautiful display of tangerines. I couldn’t resist. I eagerly peeled one and took a bite. And to my surprise, it was really dried out. But I thought to myself maybe this is some kind of rare delicacy because there is no way in the world a place like this is going to serve rotten fruit. But when I went to throw out the peels, I saw an empty bag of fruit from Costco in the trash. So, in this case, perception totally made me overestimate reality.
The Impact of Misconception
But sometimes it works the other way, and people underestimate your skills and don’t realize your value. Perhaps you’re the silent force in the team, consistently offering brilliant solutions during meetings. But because you speak softly, don’t make eye contact or are dressed in workout clothes, some underestimate your leadership potential. Despite your valuable input, decision-makers may overlook your capabilities for advancement.
Three Tips for Controlling Perception:
- Dress the Part: What you wear makes a loud statement about you. Make sure it’s the one that you want. Nothing wrong with mixing it up based on your audience. One notable example is Coco Chanel who dressed impeccably in her own designs to project sophistication and attract investors, ultimately establishing herself as a pioneering fashion designer.
- Master Your Body Language: Your body language is your secret weapon. Know when to put on your poker face. Master your expressions, posture, speech cadence and handshake, even the amount of space you take up in a room.
- Communicate Confidence: It’s the pitch of your voice, the tone of your voice, the speed of your voice, eye contact, the ease at which you converse that impacts the confidence you exude. If you don’t feel it, fake it.
As you navigate your high-stakes professional journey, remember—you hold the cards. By creating the persona you want, you’re not just playing the game; you’re stacking the deck in your favor.
Be bold, and always bet on yourself.™
