Leadership Tip

How to overcome a bad first impression

A bad first impression can be hard to shake. But changing how others view you is not impossible. Here are four ways to overturn entrenched beliefs:

  1. Surprise people. For example, if you’ve developed a reputation for never speaking up, make a point of being the first person to speak in meetings, and make multiple comments.
     
  2. Overcompensate over time. Bombard people with a lot of evidence to suggest that their first impression was wrong — do it not just once, but consistently.
     
  3. Get closer to people. If you’ve started out on the wrong foot with someone, don’t avoid them. Find ways to get to know them better so they can see who you really are.
     
  4. Wait it out. Sometimes the bad impression your colleague formed has nothing to do with you. If you’re patient and continue to act in ways you’re proud of, most people will come around eventually.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Four Ways to Overcome a Bad First Impression by Dorie Clark. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.


For more tips...
on leadership and management good practice, subscribe to a Minute with Montgomery on 10TV.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How to make your habits stick

When it comes to building lasting habits, strict routines aren't always the answer. Research suggests that while consistency is important, the ability to adapt is what truly makes habits stick. As a leader, balancing structure with flexibility can help... read more

How to create a vision that motivates

Great leaders don’t just set goals - they paint a compelling picture of the future that energizes people to act. A motivating vision doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but it does need to be clear, grounded, and empowering. Here’s how to create one that... read more

How to be more assertive

The more words you use, the more it sounds like you don’t know what you’re talking about. Long explanations often come across as uncertainty or overcompensation. Two or three clear sentences will always sound more confident - and more respectful of... read more