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Managing Perception: What People See Isn’t Always What You Mean

June 26, 2025

In today’s fast-paced work environment, perception isn’t just about image; it’s about how others interpret your actions, tone, and presence. Whether you’re interviewing for a role or managing a team, how you’re perceived can make or break the outcome. The good news? If you’re intentional, you have more influence over perception than you might think.

What Is Perception Management?

Perception management is the act of being intentional about how others experience and interpret their interactions with you. It’s not about being fake or insincere; it’s about being aware.

A helpful way to think about this is through the lens of an emotional bank account. Every relationship you have, whether personal or professional, is built upon deposits and withdrawals. Following through on a commitment? Deposit. Cutting someone off mid-sentence? Withdrawal. These interactions compound quickly and influence how others trust, interpret, and respond to you.

The Subtle Signals That Shape Perception

There are several cues in everyday interactions that carry weight in how others perceive you. These details may seem small, but they add up quickly and can either build or erode trust.

• Eye contact: Signals confidence and attention
• Tone of voice: Shapes how your message is received
• Body language: Conveys openness, interest, or disinterest
• Emotional presence: Builds connection when you lead with vulnerability
• Listening without interrupting: Reflects your respect for others’ ideas
• Speaking in perspectives: Absolutes can create defensiveness
• Feedback requests: Can seem performative if advice is not truly considered
• Speaking balance: Too much or too little can leave the wrong impression
• Follow through: Builds or breaks long-term credibility
• Consistency: Aligning actions with values matters more than you think

Putting Perception into Practice

Managing how you’re perceived doesn’t require an entire personality change; it just requires intention. In most cases, it’s not a single moment. It’s the small, repeated patterns of behavior you send without realizing it. Consider these practical ways to show up with intention and reinforce the perception you want to create:

• Prepare for every conversation, even casual ones. Whether it’s a client call, team meeting, or quick introduction, a little prep goes a long way.
• Use body language intentionally. Sit upright, lean in slightly, and nod to show interest.
• Lead with warmth, not performance. Say hi, ask something personal, and find little ways to connect before diving into business.
• Be mindful of delivery. A great point can get lost in a rushed or defensive tone. Pause, speak clearly, and read the room.
• Say what you mean and follow through. If you say you’ll follow up, do it. If you ask for input, consider it. Trust builds when words and actions align.
• Check your habits. Do you tend to interrupt? Talk over others in meetings? Multitask during calls? These small habits can leave a more lasting impression than you might expect.
• Ask for feedback. Ask a trusted peer “How do I come across in meetings?” or a close friend “How do I make you feel when you share something important with me?” You may be surprised by their response, especially if you approach the situation with a genuine interest in constructive feedback.  

Conclusion

At the end of the day, perception shapes success. People decide who to hire, promote, trust, or work with based on how they make them feel in every interaction. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect or disingenuous; it just means your presence, tone, and follow-through matter.

Every interaction is an opportunity to build or break credibility. Whether you’re leading a team, interviewing for your next role, or just trying to grow professionally (or personally), perception is already part of the equation. The more intentional you are, the more your perception will reflect who you truly are.

Shawn Hamele

SVP of Business Development

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