 |
New Corporate Headquarters
|
 |
The Three Elements of Perception™ Perception has no borders or limitations. We all make judgments . . . whether it is about an individual we just met or a community (or country) we are visiting for the first time. We like or do not like ─ connect or do not connect. Therefore, it is important to understand the three elements of this perception™ and how they affect one’s ability to achieve success. If you are meeting someone for the first time, selling your ideas, promoting your company to visitors, or putting people at ease in your country, realize that you can control this perception ─ its starts with you. It is a fact that people form their 1st impression by simply looking at you. People make assumptions about one’s trustworthiness as well as many other factors that impact whether they want to build a relationship with you or your company, community or country ─ based on what they see or experience. Your Appearance is the first element of perception and should convey your confidence, competence, and credibility. The psychology of clothing allows you to change your appearance to achieve specific goals. Your goal should be to use your wardrobe and grooming as a tool to draw attention to your ability and credentials. Your attire should be an enhancement, not a distraction. Dress to signify your level of importance and to show respect for your audience. Consider the packaging of a product. You are deciding between a package that is slightly dirty or damaged versus one that is perfect ― which would you choose? The contents have not changed! We all prefer the perfect looking package because we assume the contents are superior. Therefore, we buy a product or service, form business partnerships or move into a community because of the people associated with it and how they make us feel. Body Language is the second element of perception. We give credence more to what we see than to what we hear. The effective use of body language supports your words and ideas. If your body language and your words contradict each other, you will send a distrustful message or there will be “something about you” that is not believable. Confident and friendly body language is paramount to building solid business relationships because positive body language comes from confidence. While careless body language can make an observer feel uncomfortable, an air of confidence or welcoming posture will put one at ease. The third element of perception is Charisma. There have been many books written about the importance of having a positive mental attitude. Your attitude is not only important; it is critical to success! Your positive mental attitude, one that plans and directs favorable outcomes, naturally attracts others to you and increases your sphere of influence thus creating a charismatic connection. Charisma is the ability to completely focus on the person in your space, eliminating all distractions. Remember the last person who kept steady eye contact and made you feel like the most important person on the planet? People are drawn to (and vote for) charismatic people. Charismatic leaders connect and inspire us by tapping into our feelings and making us believe, as they do, that all things are possible. Understanding and utilizing the three elements of perception, Appearance, Body Language and Charisma, will help to develop that sense of self that attracts people to you. Start today to build a mutually beneficial partnership with the world around you by using these elements and maximizing this personal power! You Are Invited We would like to hear from you! We invite you to share your thoughts or experience with our readers. We are offering you the opportunity to submit an article or essay of commentary from your own perspective or simply an anecdote relating a significant personal experience on any area of international protocol or cultural diversity. The only criterion is that it be something you feel would be of interest to our readers, has an element of professional etiquette, cultural diversity, or international protocol, and contains reprint permission to include in Passport to Power. Please limit your contribution to 250 words and include your contact information. We will acknowledge all submissions.
PAST ISSUES Issue #24 Cell Phone Tips, Courtesies, and Dilemmas Issue #23 Slowing Life’s Hectic Pace: The Japanese Way of Tea by Carin Manbeck Issue #22 |
|
____________
Original Website
Debuted 1996
Updated:
July 2008
___________