IN IT TO WIN IT
Although I have a certain amount of trust in my instincts, I am a bit of a sceptic nevertheless. First impression in my book is like judging it by its cover – it never tells the whole story. While I am not dismissing the merit of a strong handshake, a steady eye contact and an honest smile, I do wonder if it relates the person’s entire narrative – his passions, fears and beliefs.
The pressures of making an impactful first impression means bringing your A game to the table right away. I, on the other hand, believe a winning performance is a product of talent and skill that are honed over a period of time, have stood the test of time and always outshine the superfluous gloss of a first impression.
To me, consistency is key.
While I might come across as a bit too harsh questioning the gravitas attached to a first impression, it is only so because I believe most people are like an acquired taste – they grow on you, impressing you, surprising you with qualities that necessarily do not reveal themselves in the first instance. Like a well-scripted thriller, we all have plenty of tricks up our sleeves which make the subtext of our personality – never obvious, but vital nevertheless.
The question then is whether we are willing to give people the time of day, have an open mind and the patience to know their entire story.
Blame it on the management gurus and career coaches who believe second
The question is whether we are willing to give people the time of day and have the patience to know their entire story
impression is like a consolation prize, never the winner. Such philosophy sometimes creates a heightened sense of aspiration that often smells of corporate elitism, wherein those with a shiny veneer are stereotypically considered to be a step ahead in the manic race for success. Merit in such a panorama does not stand a chance.
While reading the feature ‘How to make the best first impression’ on page 26, I was reminded of Susan Boyle’s audition performance for Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.
I rest my case.