If you’re in the mood for a promotion, to be listened to more, or to increase your credibility, but you’re stuck with a reputation that negatively taints the process, you can change the perception that others have of you.
Opinions are formed quickly, and it may take a while to change perceptions, but it is done. And maybe even faster than you think. Don’t trust others, take the lead!
Your reputation = Your responsibility
Here are 5 tips to help you change the perception of you
Tip #1: Take stock
Take a moment to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Use your performance reviews or feedback from your teams and colleagues.
Try to notice what you are told, even if it is half-hearted. What you are accused of. Or the reasons why people always come to see you (your strengths!).
Here is a three-step tool; Imagine four columns:
A: A skill / B: the state of play – taking stock / C: expectations for the position I covet / D: points to work on or consolidate
Let’s start with the list of skills (A) and the state of play (B).
Take a moment and write down any reactions, feedback, or your opinion on the following topics:
- Your communication
- Your ability to manage conflict
- Your time management
- Your leadership
- Your ability to make decisions
- Your propensity for action (or rather reflection)
- Your openness to new things
If you are interested in a position or want to be listened to more, indicate next to each of these topics what is expected of a person in this position or to be strategically positioned in the organization (C) and finally find the gaps and identify possible solutions (D).
Like what:
- (A) My Communication
- (B) Take stock: I’m quite extroverted and I’m not afraid of words. This causes discomfort at times.
- (C) In the organization, what is valued by senior management: taking one’s place, by listening first.
- (D) To work on / consolidate: listen and question before giving an opinion that may seem sharp by my natural tone (even if this is not my intention).
Tip #2: Ask for feedback
Once you have your list, I invite you to validate it with your manager, or colleagues, or someone from human resources, perhaps.
If you have the courage, and you know exactly who the person you want to influence is to change their perception of you, you could even go to them to openly discuss your approach and tell them that you are working to improve yourself.
If you have facts that show that you have worked on a subject in recent years, do not hesitate to say so. In fact, the idea is to clear up misunderstandings without being defensive.
Like what:
“Mathieu, I know that we worked together several years ago and that at that time I could be tactless. I worked with a coach on this subject, I took training, in addition to receiving feedback from my manager. I really trust that my communication has changed and I was curious to know if you had an opinion about my communication? »
In fact, if Mathieu had an “old” perception, he will think about it again. If he ever has a new one, he can give it to you. And if he doesn’t have one, he’ll stay on the lookout and probably salute your courage.
There are many ways to take your place and be heard, it’s up to you!
Tip #3: Take the chances to demonstrate your evolution
You have your list and you know what the organization expects from someone who wants to stand out.
Seize, or even provoke, every opportunity to change perceptions: be better at organizing your meetings, delivering on time, giving clear objectives, clarifying expectations, validating priorities, etc.
If your promotion or reputation is important to you, to achieve your goal, take action and show that you are moving forward!
Many artists are hidden… Those who show themselves have a chance to shine!
Don’t wait to be “discovered”!
Don’t keep your good advances to yourself. Know how to show off! And that doesn’t mean you’re not humble. Just be proud of your accomplishments and efforts.
Add a point to your meetings with your boss by mentioning facts, highlighting how well your team is delivering on its projects, or that your team is autonomous. If you’ve received praise from a customer, mention it. If your relationship with an employee has changed since you started listening better, say so.
You can be proud AND humble.
Tip #4: Check in regularly
When you’re in the process of developing a particular skill, take the time to ask for feedback regularly.
Avoid the risk of working for months on something that is not noticed or is simply not the right one.
Working on so-called “soft” skills can take some time.
There are ways to go faster:
- Ask for feedback
- Get support, for example in coaching
- Take a training course
- Read about it, books or blogs
And above all, take action and self-evaluate.
Tip #5: Stay consistent
It’s always easier to work on one or two skills at the same time, it allows you to have enough challenges, while keeping focus.
And this will allow you to be consistent. If you work on your time management, we need to see your improvement as you go along and concretely. If you work on 5 topics at the same time, your progress will be less visible.
If you are working on your open-mindedness, demonstrate it in different meetings, work on your questions, etc.
In other words, if you have announced that you want to develop on a particular subject, do so, and during your feedback loops (tip #4) you will have several examples on both sides!
In conclusion on ways to change perception
These five tips can help you gradually change people’s perception of you, with the goal of gaining more credibility or a position you covet.
Choose something to work on, validate the expectations and perceptions of others frequently, and demonstrate that you take it seriously.
Don’t hesitate to demonstrate your desire to improve!