Perceptions of Leaders - A Strategy for Success
Posted on August 17, 2011 by Stephen Clarke, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
What perceptions do people have of you? Are you happy with those perceptions? If not, here's what you can do.
PERCEPTIONS OF LEADERS – A STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS
By Stephen Clarke, M.A., C.E.C.
Leadership skills and abilities are the foundation for every leader. However, even though one may possess skills and abilities as a leader, if the perceptions by others do not support the person’s direction, optimum results are difficult to achieve. Consider for a moment the role perceptions can play in your success as a leader.
Not long ago, I performed a 360 degree feedback process on a coaching client. The information received was interesting in many ways, but one thing that came out was the person’s supervisor rated him three points (10 point scale) lower than any other respondent include the person’s direct reports and peers. Fortunately, we were able to clarify the variance which resulted in the client’s supervisor developing new perceptions. Without that opportunity, the client’s career most certainly could have been impacted.
We develop perceptions throughout our lives just as others do of us. My clients and I often devote time and effort into formulating strategies to help guide people’s perceptions. This process begins with understanding our natural behavioral tendencies. Since our behaviors are major contributors to the perceptions people have of us, we need to understand not only our behaviors, but those of our supervisors, peers, direct reports and customers.
For example, if our preferred behavior style tends to avoid details we may be perceived as being “wishy-washy” or lacking focus. With carefully developed strategies, one can manage his/her behavioral tendencies to create the perceptions we desire. It’s all in the strategy!
Without a doubt, strategic planning and the understanding of human behavior are both discussed as part of college curriculum, however leveraging the two is seldom done because it is so individually based. A certified, professional coach can help you convert your knowledge-base into a strategic advantage for your career. In a relatively short time, a coach can guide you on the journey of career management and help you achieve the greatest rewards you could imagine. Quite simply, it’s all in the strategy!
