Perception isn’t reality. It’s judgment.
You might be juggling ten priorities. But people think you don’t care when you rush past them.
You’re judged by actions, not the good in your heart.
Perceptions are filters. Once you’re seen as pushy, people find reasons to justify their judgment.
A Script to Change Negative Perceptions
#1. Acknowledge feedback.
“Thanks for your feedback.” Don’t make excuses. It makes you look weak.
#2. Seek clarity.
“What do you see me doing that looks pushy?” Ask for specific examples. If none emerge, thank them and move on.
#3. Focus on doing, not just stopping.
The power to change perceptions comes from doing something differently.
#4. Seek positive change.
“What’s the opposite of pushy?” They might say supportive. Translate the answer into behaviors. Input is useless until you attach behaviors to it.
#5. Ask, “If you saw me being supportive, what would you see me doing?”
Listen for behaviors. Choose one of these behaviors.
- Ask, “What would be most helpful from me?”
- Pause to let people finish speaking and then ask a question.
- Recognize progress and explore next steps together.
#6. Go public with one action.
“I’m working to be supportive. This week I’ll ask, ‘What would be most helpful from me?’”
#7. Check progress.
Have follow-up conversations. “I’ve been working on being supportive. What have you noticed? What’s one thing I could do better?”
Note: Develop new patterns. Perceptions change slowly. People interpret new behaviors through old judgments.
Provide evidence you’re doing better.
Warning: Don’t let one person run your life. Evaluate feedback. Seek input from multiple sources.
The wise care what people think. Fools give control to others.
Deal with patterns.
How have you overcome negative perceptions?
How to Bridge the Unseen Gap between Perception and Intent – Leadership Freak
How To Overcome Negative Workplace Perception – Forbes
