I remember growing up thinking that it didn’t matter what other people thought of me. And for a large part of my life—well into adulthood—I considered this to be true. I now realize that what people think of me has tremendous
power. Sure, I shouldn’t let people’s opinions change who I am or coerce me into unhealthy behavior. But it is naïve to think that people’s perception does not play a factor in determining my success or failure.
Take the workplace, for example. If you have two equally good workers, but one dresses sloppily and the other is immaculate, which one will people perceive as being a better candidate for a promotion? Right or wrong, just or unjust, we cannot deny that people make judgments based upon these types of superficial qualities.
I’m not saying that we should be manipulative or lie to get ahead. But there is definitely an element of “playing the game,” of making sure people have the right perception of you, that is required for true success. And I think it is important people learn this lesson as early in life as possible.
power. Sure, I shouldn’t let people’s opinions change who I am or coerce me into unhealthy behavior. But it is naïve to think that people’s perception does not play a factor in determining my success or failure.
Take the workplace, for example. If you have two equally good workers, but one dresses sloppily and the other is immaculate, which one will people perceive as being a better candidate for a promotion? Right or wrong, just or unjust, we cannot deny that people make judgments based upon these types of superficial qualities.
I’m not saying that we should be manipulative or lie to get ahead. But there is definitely an element of “playing the game,” of making sure people have the right perception of you, that is required for true success. And I think it is important people learn this lesson as early in life as possible.