Do First Impressions Mean As Much As We Think?

By Brian Maynor

 

FORBES recently ran an article by Kristi Hedges, How Important Is Your First Impression Really?, evaluating the significance of first impressions and if research supports their value.  The result was inconclusive.

We are bombarded with contradictory information regarding first impressions on a daily basis especially when it comes to professional appearance.  Mentors and coaches drive home their importance and the almost insurmountable struggle to overcome a poor first impression, while society pushes us to value substance over form and cautions against  ‘judging a book by its cover.’  The research is not helpful either because you can find a plethora of work supporting either side.

So what does it all mean?  Should we care about first impressions or not?  When they hold true we see them as intuition personified, but when they turn out to be wrong they appear to be emotional snap judgments.  I think first impressions are valuable and play a role in all decision-making.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when making and evaluating first impressions that are both emotional and logical:

 

1.   Understand the influencers.  First impressions are not one sided.  As hard as the other person tries our mood and existing opinions play a huge role in the process.  Being happy, energized, tired or frustrated will color our perception, and preexisting opinions to the given stimuli will skew the impression one way or the other.  We project onto others a lot more than we may realize, especially when we have limited information about the other person.  Unfortunately that is part of being human and an emotional response.  You can compensate for this bias by recognizing your mood; the influence it plays on your opinion and taking the next step.

 

2.   Articulate why you have this impression.  Jumping to the conclusion is the easy part but the reason for it is just as important, and a lot more telling.  After you’ve formed your opinion take a minute to ask yourself two questions:  why do you feel that way?  And what factors did you consider in reaching that conclusion?   Enunciating the cause and reason for your opinion is a logical response and should give you some perspective.  Precise, articulate answers support the validity whereas vague feelings with no clear explanations should give you cause to reevaluate.

 

3.   Assess the importance of the impression.   First impressions can be wrong, so any action or decisions you make based on them should account for that possibility.  We all have made snap judgments that were later dismissed or disproven, but hopefully the cost was minimal.  Making simple decisions on first impressions are one thing, but major decisions are completely different.  Before you make a major decision collect and consider a lot more information, not just your first impression.

 

Never doubt the importance of first impressions or the impact they make, but remember they are just that, impressions, and if you make a decision based on them accept the fact that you may be wrong.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.