I had an interesting discussion with hubby on this.
Let us start with the basic. What is perception?
The Oxford dictionary (http://www.askoxford.com/) defines it as:
noun
1 the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.
2 the process of perceiving.
3 a way of understanding or interpreting something.
4 intuitive understanding and insight.
Let's explore further on item 2: the process of perceiving.
Perceive is a verb with the following meaning:
1 to become aware of, know, or identify by means of the senses
2 to recognize, discern, envision, or understand
Synonyms 1. note, discover, observe, descry, distinguish.
Therefore, in a workplace, when you need to manage people (your bosses, subordinates, clients etc) perception, giving them the right perception would mean that we consciously perceive them to let them note, discover, observe, distinguish certain information and character which we want them to be aware of. How we do that?
Projecting the right image, branding, doing and saying the right thing at the right time, being seen with the right people is now so important. All this just to get certain message across and to get ahead of the game. How scheming!!
My 2-cents - Just be yourself and above all be sincere - when you work with your heart you can never go wrong and don't worry whether it gives people the right perception or not. It's anytime better than being a fake.
