Perception is Reality!

This is a BIGGIE for me!  One person’s PERCEPTION of a given situation is their REALITY of the situation. That’s why first impressions are so important…critical actually.  Whether we like it or not we're built to size each other up quickly. Even if we're presented with lots of evidence to the contrary, we're attached to our initial impressions of people—which is why you should be aware of the impression you make on others. Why does this pertain to you…and me…well, we are in the process of starting something extraordinary from the ground up, and it is up to each and every one of us form positive perceptions with our kids, parents, colleagues, and the community.  Don’t think that’s part of your job??? Think again.  If you know anything thing about me it should be that I am ALL about relationships.  If you don’t have that…you have a hard time achieving much of anything else.  Right behind relationships would be high expectations…for the kids…for you…and mostly for myself!  We are going to be a staff that goes the extra mile…because it is best for kids…and meeting kid’s needs will always win with me.  No need to complain, unless you have a solution.  No need to fire off emails, post to Facebook, have a parking lot conversation, or tell parents negative comments or judgmental opinions….all of these things seems to find their way back to “the people” you will one day need for something…a reference or a favor perhaps.  It will happen…I assure you.  All of these things are forever in writing or out in the community and can and will be used against you the second you make someone mad.  If you have a tendency to do these things…find a “tone” friend…one who will help you soften your emails a bit or you can quietly vent to.  The best solution is to always discreetly take the “obstacle”  to that person so that you can work it out…if that is not possible please feel free to bring it to Veronica or myself.  We are here to help!  I will go to the ends of the earth to help and protect you, and I expect the same respect from each of you.  Let’s THINK before we make a “mountain out of a mole-hill”.  I found this article on a few simple guidelines for wowing people…which is exactly what RMS is going to be all about…creating a positive, safe learning environment for kids and teachers.  First impressions do matter so make the most of them with these five strategies.  Remember…you never get a second chance to make a good impression!

 

Five Strategies for a Fabulous First Impression

First impressions matter so make the most of them!

Published on March 26, 2012 by Thomas G. Plante, Ph.D., ABPP in Do the Right Thing

1. Be yourself... but be your best self.

Ethics are important and faking it to be someone who you are not is ethically problematic as well as just unsustainable. You can't keep up false impressions for very long unless you have an antisocial personality disorder. So, you should be yourself but try very hard to be your very best self.

2. Get yourself organized and centered before having the first interaction.

Whether it is a job interview or a date finding a few minutes to organize and center yourself will likely pay big dividends. Perhaps spending even a minute in meditation, prayer, or repeating a favorite mantra may be productive. What do you do to organize and center yourself? Recently I've used a one minute meditation in all of my classes teaching at Santa Clara University. Before class, we spend one minute in silent meditation. I've been impressed with the results and students seem to be too.

3. Pay close attention to your non-verbals.

Your words can be deceptive but your non-verbal communication tends to speak volumes of truth. Pay attention to your posture, manner, eye contact, and other non-verbal communications and ask yourself what they are communicating about you.

4. Clothes matter.

I'm no fashionista or fashion forward kind of guy by any means but it is true that clothes and grooming matter. It matters in terms of how others judge you as well as how you behave too. So, attend to your clothes, grooming, and so forth to send the message that you want to send.

5. It's never about you.

It is way too easy to be narcissistic and focus on yourself during initial interactions. Big mistake in my view. Focus on the other as much as you can. Attend to the other person by asking questions and try to see the world through their eyes. Not only will you likely connect better but you'll find yourself freer to be your best self that is likely to be more thoughtful and compassionate too.