Impression Management 101: How to Get Ahead By Creating the Image that You Want

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “perception is everything.” It is true.

 

But you are not a helpless victim to others’ perceptions. You can influence them.

 

The first step is to think about what impression you want to convey. Do you want to be seen as:

 

• Professional
• Funny
• Poised
• Calm
• Energetic
• Helpful
• Confident
• Powerful
• Intelligent
• Strategic
• Or any other adjective you want 

The second step, and this is the tough one, is to be that very thing. Conveying the impression you want is not about acting or being something that you aren’t. It’s about being how you want to be perceived.

 

Ask yourself these questions:

 

1. What am I already doing that shows that I am this way?

 

2. What is one thing that I can do every day to build this characteristic? (For example, to be more confident, do something difficult every day. To be more calm, begin yoga and daily relaxation. To be more strategic, list out your future goals and plan ways to make them happen.

 

3. Have others told me that I possess this quality?

 

The third step is to look for opportunities to convey the impression that you want. Let’s say that your goal is to be seen as poised. Normally, when you encountered a stressful situation you’d think, “Augh, why does this kind-of thing always happen to me?!”

 

Instead you’ll think, “This is the perfect opportunity for me to work on coming across as I want: poised.” Take your time and focus your energy on handling the situation in the way that you need to.

 

The fourth step is to gather feedback from others. Review your performance evaluations. Ask friends and family members to select the top adjectives that describe you. Request specific feedback from your boss. Ask your clients what they found helpful in working with you (this will indirectly tell you about the impression you give).

 

Finally, as you’re practicing these skills, do not be overly focused on yourself. What you don’t want to do is to create a stressful situation in which you’re always monitoring yourself or putting on an act.

 

This is why step 2 is so important. It’s like getting in shape - if you want to come across as toned, you work your muscles. No one sees those muscles, but appearing toned must come from the inside.

 

Enjoy taking charge of how others see you and don’t be afraid to refine your image regularly as you evolve and grow.