You’ve Changed. But They Still See Who You Were.

Navigating Perception Shifts in Leadership

Early in a new job, at a departmental meeting, I sat in one of the senior member’s regular seats at the table. I did not know it was her spot, but she saw it as me trying to literally — and figuratively — unseat her. For months, I wondered why she was so cold to me… until a colleague clued me in.

Or take John, a junior employee who struggled early on. He made a few public missteps, but with time, he became a reliable, thoughtful contributor. The problem? His colleagues still saw the person he used to be — not the leader he had become.

If you’ve ever felt like your past is holding your present hostage, you’re not alone.

Changing how others see you at work — especially when those first impressions were less than ideal — but they don’t have be lasting memories. And while it can feel personal, science tells us it’s biological: our brains carve and reinforce neural pathways based on early interactions. The more we reinforce a perception, the harder it is to unlearn.

One client came in like a wrecking ball, knocking down everything in his path. He made some early enemies. And even though he later proved himself, key stakeholders still saw the bull, not the brilliance.

Another senior leader shared that she once overstepped, diving into operational areas outside her strategic role. She’s long since course-corrected — but those who worked with her back then? They’re still holding onto the old version.

So, what can you do when others haven’t caught up with the person you’ve become?

7 Strategies to Shift Old Perceptions:

1. Acknowledge Prior Behavior
   Show self-awareness. Taking responsibility signals maturity and growth.
2. Address Perceptions Head-On
   Have real conversations with those holding onto outdated views. Be open, not defensive.
3. Exercise Patience
   New perceptions, neural pathways — and reputations — take time to rebuild.
4. Ask for Feedback
   Ask colleagues what they see now. You’ll learn where you’re progressing and where legacy impressions linger. Ask a trusted colleague or mentor to support your shift and notice if old behaviors resurface.
5. Cultivate New Relationships
   Build trust and credibility through new relationships and interactions with exiting colleague. New allies will know the updated version of you.
6. Demonstrate Subject Matter Expertise
   Speak up in your zone of genius. Share thought leadership. Make consistent contributions that reflect your evolution.
7. Leverage 360 Feedback and Coaching Support
   If you’re unsure how others currently see you — or where impressions are stuck — a 360 review or psychometric assessment can reveal invaluable insights. When paired with coaching, this clarity becomes fuel. You’ll move faster, stay intentional, and have an expert thought partner keeping you aligned as you reshape how you show up.

Reputation is fluid, and if not protected can be tarnished by one small misstep.

The most respected leaders I work with aren’t flawless — they’re self-aware. They actively shape how they’re perceived to match who they truly are.

If you’re navigating a perception shift — or feel like you’re being misjudged based on your past — let’s talk. I offer a complimentary 30-minute strategy session to help you get clear on where perceptions are stuck, and how to start rewriting the story.

👉 Visit ebccoaching.com to schedule your session.