Strategies for Dispelling Pre-existing Perceptions

Are you struggling with the weight of pre-existing perceptions?

These positive or negative perceptions shape how others view and interact with us in the workplace. However, what happens when those initial impressions no longer align with our current capabilities and contributions?

We often find ourselves stuck with labels that don’t match who we’ve become. You know the feeling — starting a job on the wrong foot, making a few mistakes, or just not clicking with everyone. Even after you’ve worked to improve, remnants of those initial impressions linger, impeding opportunities for collaboration and advancement. This phenomenon is not uncommon and underscores the complexity of navigating perception shifts within organizational and even personal dynamics.

Consider my client Sean, upon starting a new role, made some professional errors that led to negative perceptions. He made some judgment mistakes that alienated a number of his internal clients. While he was able to improve his performance over time, he could not shift the perceptions of some key stakeholders. They lost trust in him and were hesitant to work with him long after he had mastered the job.

Take another example — a leader recently shared with me that several years ago, she had been criticized for overstepping her role by taking on work that belonged to another department. Although she has ceased this behavior, her old reputation still lingers. Those who had worked with her during that time still remember her former behavior.

So why is it so hard to shake off those old perceptions? Well, Neuroscience offers insight into this process. Our brains are wired to remember the past, carving out pathways that are tough to reroute. Over time, these pathways become ingrained, making it inherently difficult to forge new ones. This mindset presents a formidable challenge for individuals seeking to redefine how they are perceived professionally.

So, how can individuals effectively navigate the complexities of changing pre-existing perceptions? The following strategies offer a roadmap for cultivating meaningful shifts in professional identity:

1. Own Up to Past Mistakes: Recognize and accept the impact of your past actions on current perceptions. By acknowledging shortcomings, individuals demonstrate accountability and a commitment to growth.

2. Clear the Air: Have those awkward conversations with those who still see you through old lenses. Clarify misconceptions and articulate the journey toward personal and professional evolution. Sometimes, a simple chat can clear up a lot of misunderstandings.

3. Be Patient: Changing entrenched perceptions is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. Understand that Changing minds takes time and perseverance. So don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight.

4. Ask for Feedback: Seek honest feedback from colleagues and mentors you trust. Their insights can help you understand how others see you and where you can improve. Constructive feedback serves as a valuable tool for course correction and continuous improvement.

5. Accountability Partner: Enlist the support of trusted colleagues or mentors to serve as accountability partners. These individuals can offer guidance and support during moments of vulnerability or regression. They’ll be there to cheer you on when you’re doing well and nudge you back on track if you slip up.

6. Cultivate Relationships: Build relationships with colleagues to showcase newfound strengths and capabilities. Leveraging interpersonal connections fosters trust and credibility, facilitating the transition to a revised professional identity.

7. Demonstrate Subject Matter Expertise: Proactively establish expertise in areas aligned with desired perceptions. Through thought leadership, impactful contributions, and continuous learning, individuals solidify their position within their chosen domain.

Reshaping how others see you is challenging, but it’s doable. Perception shifts require a multifaceted approach grounded in self-awareness, resilience, proactive engagement, and a lot of perseverance. By embracing the challenges inherent in reshaping professional identities, individuals can rewrite their narratives to align with their evolving capabilities and aspirations.