Perception “is” Reality
Understanding Individual Differences & Perception
Perception vs. Reality
“Perception is reality.”
What does this mean to you professionally?
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Is perception reality?
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Perception refers to the process through which we receive, organize
and interpret information from the environment, ourselves and those
around us.
"Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really
are." -Machiavelli
Perception vs. Reality
Common perceptual biases
• Stereotyping: assumptions about others based on belonging to a
certain category or group
• Halo effect: one characteristic influences your overall evaluation of
a person
• Selective perception: tendency to consider information that
reinforces your existing beliefs
Perception vs. Reality
Perception is indeed reality.
• You may think one way about yourself, others might perceive you to be
quite differently.
• Most (if not all) of us deem ourselves good at what we do and highly
capable.
• Be aware of how others perceive you.
Perception vs. Reality
Conduct a perception is reality check.
• Some people think that it’s not their problem if they’re being perceived
incorrectly.
• Wrong - in the end it is very much their problem. Other people's
perceptions can dramatically shape our self-concept and self-esteem. It can
also make or break a career.
• Whether the perceptions are accurate or not, if your actions portray laziness,
rudeness or a lack of professionalism, whether it's deserved, or not, it can
make or break a career path.
Perception vs. Reality
Do you see yourself in the mirror like others see you?
Perception vs. Reality
• The way people view you and the work that you do is the legacy you
will leave behind.
• As we interact with others both personally and professionally, we
leave an impression.
• As you go about the business of conducting your life, people make
judgments about your character, your appearance and your abilities.
What do these things say about you?
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Resume/Credentials
Employee Evaluations
Credit report
Social networking sites/FB & Twitter pages
Understanding Individual Differences &
Perception
Research in psychology has shown that attractive people are perceived to be
more intelligent than unattractive people.
Likewise, we have a more positive perception of Apple computers, for example,
because of the success of the iPod.
Some examples:
• If you don’t look more engaged during meetings, everyone will think you are
not interested.
• If you don’t smile and make eye contact with our guests, they will think you
are not friendly.
• If you continue to miss deadlines, then nobody will trust you because they
will think you are not responsible.
Improving Image & Perception
Understand the Boss: Many bosses have different personalities and expectations.
Beauty and Appearance people who work hard to look attractive usually tend to get
treated better and kept longer. In some cases, just looking your best can take you far.
Get Noticed: Getting noticed is critical to success. People perceive you as a more
productive employee when you’re noticed. It is important though to ensure that there is
substance behind the claim.
Inter-Personal Relationships: Are critical to success in any business environment. If
possible, try to join social groups and committees
Improving Image & Perception
Stating Opinion: The best way to see if opinions are welcome is basically to test the waters. When
talking casually with your boss, bring up a movie (for example) you and the boss have both seen.
Give your opinion and see the reaction. You’ll either get a friendly response or an avoidance
response (typically they lose focus on you and quickly drop or change the subject).
Perception as a Manager: When, or if, you become a manager, it’s good to concentrate more on
the politics than on the technical end in most cases. How your subordinates view you is critical,
since they want a leader they can look up to when they need help.
Emotion: Keeping your emotional responses in check is also important. The best way to handle
this is to imagine that an employee were to come up and strike you. Obviously, your first reaction
would be to get angry and visibly upset. Train your mind to accept this imagined “attack” as a
reason not to get angry. Almost as if getting “attacked” by your employees is a normal activity and
what they should do. While the example is extreme and not likely to happen, it does prepare you
for dealing with employees in a calm manner. If something bothers you with an employee, instantly
let it go. Stay calm by pretending they are saying what you want to hear, and take notes (this gives
the impression the employee is being listened to carefully).
Going the Extra Mile: Put that experience and knowledge you have to productive use.
One note of caution though is to be careful; some superiors see too much of the “extra
mile” as a potential threat. If possible, go the extra mile or beyond by helping others
with their work. This is usually a win-win, since not only do you have an opportunity to
improve relations with co-workers, but you can also develop social relationships at the
same time. Your superiors would also not really see the extra mile as a threat when
helping others, since this is seen as (or presented to be) a teamwork goal.
Summary
Perception is 90% of the battle in a work context. People tend to neglect this as they
perceive it to be unimportant. Be conscious of the perception being formed of you at all
times and never assume that you can avoid being judged by others or be immune to the
consequences of any negative opinions.