How you are is how others will view you.
Dorie Clark had interesting article few months ago. I have not been able to get it out of my mind. The thought was so simple…that many of us skip by it. Yet it has huge impact on our careers.
How we act becomes how people perceive us.
That determines types of jobs or projects we are offered. Responsibilities given. Promotions offered. (Or not.) How colleagues and friends see us.
That all made sense. Point Dorie made that I had not paid attention to? It is up to each of us to shape those perceptions.
Last week post talked about communicating with intention. Shaping what we say goes long way in who we become. How far our careers take us. That article pointed out importance of having short succinct statements to define our management style, goals, etc.
Dorie emphasized need to take that further. He identified 6 key points.
“ The vocabulary we use.
Projects you visibly take on.
The problems you publicly orient around.
The questions you ask in rooms.
The people you visibly engage with.
The events (virtual or in person) you choose to attend.”
What topics we choose to communicate about are important. Even more important is who and how we engage with others
We all have bosses (even the President of company).
I had not spent enough time deciding how I wanted to shape the perceptions other had of me.
Those people saw me daily and weekly. I was under impression they understood me. That their perceptions of me matched my perceptions of me. Big mistake.
There was game we played as kids. Someone would tell a short story. Then each person would repeat the story. By the time story got to 5th person? Story no longer came close to the original
We each need to remember that. The exact same thing occurs when we communicate as adults. It is up to us to make sure we decide what perceptions we choose to communicate. Then communicate them clearly.
How each of us address the points above determine how we shape and direct the perceptions others have. That determines how we control our careers. Careers rarely “just happen.” Careers need to be directed and shaped to achieve the end goals each person has.
Like to know more about Dorie Clark? Dorie Clark is a keynote speaker and bestselling author who helps professionals stand out, build influence, and achieve long-term success. DorieClark.com htpps://doridclark.com
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
