“A fellow can’t keep people from having a bad opinion of him, but he can keep them from being right about it.” – Author unknown
Some people believe that perception is reality; however, there is a difference. For instance, if you raise your voice in a meeting, you could be instantly branded as a loud-mouthed, self-serving, egotistical boor with an anger management problem. This is based on a perception, rather than fact. If you yell frequently during meetings, however, your colleagues’ perceptions may be right on target. When such a perception becomes a reality, you have a clear challenge to change.
Whether it’s an incorrect perception or a fact-based reality, you need to protect your image. Examine your expressions, comments and actions and take steps to change people’s perception of you. Here are seven more image problems that can have a negative impact on your career and what you can do about them
1) – They think you’re anti-social
Why?
You don’t make a habit of saying “good morning.” You say very little about your personal life. You’re too busy to join colleagues for social outings. You provide short, dry answers during conversations with colleagues and don’t show much interest in what others have to say.
How to Fix It:
Be friendlier: No matter how tired or pressured you are, think of how your actions and attitude impact others. Say “hi” to your colleagues each day, make eye contact when you pass them in the hallway, smile and engage in small talk around the photocopier or when waiting for a meeting to convene. The few seconds these actions take are well worth your time.
Socialize – within reason: Join your colleague for Happy Hour. Maybe not every day, but on occasion, drop by for a drink or lunch. It will be time well spent. Be considerate. Bring snacks for colleagues. Remember people’s names. Ask about their families or their personal interests. Your goal is to be considered easy going and interested, not stressed and uncaring.
Beware of false impressions: Leave your office door open or change the position of your workspace if possible so that your back is not always turned. You may be the most sincere, open and people-oriented man, but if your colleagues perceive a closed door or turned back as a sign of disinterest, dislike or disrespect, you’ll have an image problem.
Your colleagues may think you’re a boaster
2- They think you’re a show-off
Why?
You bragged about your specific accomplishment at work. You seem to be the center of attention in every meeting and you offer unsolicited suggestions on other people’s projects.
How To Fix It:
Share the praise: Give your colleagues credit when it’s due. Say “we” more often than “I.” Mention that James had the great idea and that he helped you see it through. This is a much more powerful way of demonstrating your competence and team-building skills.
Don’t boast: Let your actions speak for themselves. If you’re not blowing your own horn, someone else will be able to talk about your strengths and accomplishments. Recognition is important and it’s far better for your career to have others saying you’re a winner.
3- They think you’re a snob
Why?
You made some comments that sounded condescending. You don’t mingle with personnel from other departments. You dress well, wear expensive clothes and occasionally name-drop.
How To Fix It:
Treat everyone as equals: Avoid talking down to anyone. Be courteous and friendly to everyone you encounter. You never know when the janitor will save your career by not shredding an important report that fell off your desk and landed beside your recycling bin.
Flaunt your attitude, not your assets: Wear Armani and Versace but avoid ostentatiously displaying the label when you take off your jacket. Spend the weekend in Bahamas, but don’t broadcast it. Enjoy the fruits of your labor but be discreet so no one brands you with a negative label.
4- They think you’re a complainer
Why?
You’re very direct in your criticism. You question things. You’re the first to bring up bad news and people feel they only hear negative things from you.
How To Fix It: Quit whining: Modulate the tone of your voice. You may sound depressed and stressed when that’s really not your intent. If you’ve been saying “Not bad” when asked how you are, change it to “Great, thanks!” and see the difference in people’s reactions.
Be optimistic: Become more positive. It will reduce your stress level and improve your productivity. Find solutions to problems instead of complaining.
Watch your body language: Sighing or exhaling loudly expresses discontent, whether intended or not. Rolling your eyes, shaking your head or sitting with your arms crossed all create a negative impression. If it’s your role to poke holes in proposed projects, do it while leaning forward, making eye contact and using open hand gestures.
Chill: Smile and be happy. Appreciate things and people, and tell them. Practice patience. Complaining about how slow the elevator is will not make it speed up, but could cause your career to stall.
Others think your nose is brown…
5- They think you’re too competitive
Why?
You sometimes compare yours to others’ accomplishments. You’re the one who must always win during the office softball game.
How To Fix It:
Do your job well: Resist any temptation to outdo your colleagues. Stop challenging everyone. Avoid one-upmanship; you’re there to do a job and, no matter how well you do it, if you appear to be breaking down the team spirit, it will adversely affect your career.
Cooperate: In business and sports, think about the team, not just about winning. Don’t be a poor sport or sore loser. Admit your shortcomings, ask for assistance and share the limelight. You’ll shine if your project is a success and your colleagues are praising your enthusiasm.
6- They think you’re too aggressive
Why?
You talk louder than others and raise your voice for emphasis. You get straight to the point without sugarcoating your comments. You have an aggressive defensive reaction if you feel you’re being questioned, doubted or attacked.
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