Chapter 3
The Four-Step Perception Management Process
Perception is real even when it is not reality.
—Edward de Bono Physician, author, and originator of the term lateral thinking
Creating the ideal perception entails taking four steps, each of which will help you enhance the current view others have of you and improve any negative opinions that exist (see Figure 3.1). The first step is to discern how you think you are perceived. Each and every behavior you exhibit at work is being observed and directly affects how others view you. Inaccurate perceptions show you how easy it is for others to incorrectly perceive you.
Figure 3.1 The Four-Step Perception Management Process
The second step is to know how you actually are perceived, which you can accomplish by asking for feedback from others. The third step focuses on determining how you want to be perceived. Here, you'll create the ideal perception and image. In the fourth step, you'll learn how to change perception so it reflects who you are.
The four steps are as follows:
Step 1—How you think you are perceived.
Step 2—How you actually are perceived.
Step 3—How you want to be perceived.
Step 4—How you change perception.
Step 1: How You Think You Are Perceived
Many people don't know how they are perceived at work. They have given little thought to how others view them. This is surprising because, in most cases, people automatically ...
