A New Year & New You – Does That Mean We Get A Second Chance To Make The Right Impression?
January 6, 2015
By Brian Maynor
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I’m all about reinvention and whole-heartedly embrace the concept of evolution, especially when it comes to your image, but is changing your image enough to change an impression you’ve made?
Earlier this week I read an interesting article that explored an updated approach to the process of making impressions. It also had some great insight into how to control and effectively change an impression that’s already made. To be fair changing an impression takes a lot of hard work and time, but it can be done if you know what you’re doing. Here are some highlights of what you need to know:
1. The two stages of assessment. Every evaluation of you and by you happens in two stages.
The first stage is the initial and sometimes kneejerk reaction based solely on your image, that is appearance, attitude and behavior. This is almost an unconscious process that stems entirely from assumptions.
The second stage is when those assumptions are assessed, weighed and balanced by gathering more information through conversation and interaction. This can immediately follow the first impression, or you can use it to subsequently change a prior impression. Either way it is by far the more important stage and where you have to put in most of the work.
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2. How to control the message and thereby change your impression. While there isn’t much you can do with stage one, stage two is a entirely a two-way conversation.
When interacting with someone information is solicited and deciphered through three main lenses: trust, power and ego. Once you understand that you can use it to craft your answers and therefore participate in, if not control, your impression.
The trust lens is about being seen as warm and competent, which you demonstrate through eye contact, smiling when appropriate, sitting and standing up straight, and nodding in agreement without interrupting.
When it comes to the power lens you want you highlight your usefulness by weaving past accomplishments into future partnerships and mutual goals. This is especially true if you are dealing with someone higher up than yourself.
Finally there is the ego lens were supplication may be a bit much, but your goal is to project modesty and inclusiveness. By creating a sense of ‘us’ not ‘me’ when it comes to past accomplishments you invite the other person to share in your success and not be threatened by it.
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Crafting your impression is not only essential it’s also efficient because we can’t afford to sit back and wait for others to reach conclusions we already know. Plus when you’re trying to overcome a poor first impression you need an effective game plan and strategy for future interactions.
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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.
