Managing other’s perceptions

The earth is round but the world has many nooks and corners. Different views and cultural backgrounds make us see the world differently. Life experiences and personal value systems create our perceptions, which influences the patterns of communication. Ever wonder that mostly all political parties operate similar way globally and yet a lot of bloodbath, literally and figuratively, is drawn every minute.

Well, the good news is that we may get influenced by the past but we are not entirely the product of past. There is always that silver lining where we can consciously modify our external behaviour and are also capable of changing the way we cast an impression on others. Learning how to project a positive image can be a great asset in everyday work life. As you grow higher in the corporate ladder, the image management becomes crucial. It’s important to understand and manage the way we are regarded.

Might sound like a difficult feat to achieve but it actually is a planned strategy. Albeit, it requires a good deal of thought, motivation and constant reminders to self. Here, is stepwise plan to do so.

Let go of misconceptions: Most people think that if they change the way they have perceived always, its manipulation or deception. Managing perceptions is more about showing positive aspects of your personality and minimising the visibility of weaknesses. It does not involve pretending something you are not. It helps in career and let you make friends. Organisations and political figures spend a lot of money to build an image that they want to come across as. Media and advertising put it into branding campaigns.

360-degree feedback: Perception management starts from being aware of what your public perception is. What impression your behaviour creates. The second step is to develop or showcase the skills you really want to be perceived as. By taking feedbacks from trusted people around, you can get an idea of how people perceive you. Spoiler Alert: Results of such informal 360-degree feedback can be shocking and demotivating. That’s exactly where we need to develop patience and forgiveness. 

Impressions change: For the time immemorial, we have been listening to, “The first impression is the last.” Nothing is farther from the truth. Have your opinions not changed about a person you are with from when you first met him/her. You may be able to read the pattern of behaviour but still, they must have moved from the first impression they cast. That’s one rule the universe follows. Everything changes. 

Strategy and execution: Before you step up on the accelerator, aiming full speed change, hold it there. Don’t be too ambitious and focus one goal at a time. Think of one thing that will create instant change in people’s mind. Even if its “smile often” or “talk to five people other than usual work.” Be clear of the context. Ask yourself, why in the first place you need to manage your perception differently. And always remember, the world does not revolve around you. So everyone is entitled to their speed and thoughts about you. Do not get emotionally hurt or expect everyone to go by your agenda. There is no rulebook. 

If you wish to change someone’s impression of you, first consider the fact that they already carry an impression of yours. Understand that existing opinion and then decide what do you want to change. Remember that you cannot flip around totally. That will be more deceiving and no one can live a lie constantly. Create a bridge between how people look at you and what you want them to look at. Take care of relationships.

You may meet the same person later in some other role as you move on in career and it’s a good idea not to create an army of unforgiving, grudge harbouring people. Manage how you are perceived.

The writer is strategic advisor and premium educator with Harvard Business Publishing