Perception Matters: Is Perception Reality?

I perceive; therefore, it is. Ok, so I’m not exactly René Descartes. I know. But it is an important argument, especially in the world of work. Does perception matter? Does the way that my team, clients, supervisor, and management perceive me impact reality?

Perception Matters.

As much as I try to convince my 9-year-old that what her peers think is meaningless and that the 3rd grade Mean Girls are irrelevant, the truth is that once she hits the world of work, the way that others perceive the value she brings, may indeed have an impact. Before you fall out of your chair in disbelief that I’d make such an assertion, read on . . .

“Perception is reality.” This quote is sure to yield grunts, eye-rolls, and sighs from an audience. And while I am sure there are many that agree with the idea that perception is reality, there are many others who would be willing to argue that it is not. In fact, just last week, I was facilitating a team-building workshop around the theme of the “Power of Your Attitude”, and I stirred up quite a discussion. I projected a quote on the screen:

“It’s not what you do, nor the way that you do it, but how your team perceives what you do and how you do it that determines the value you bring to the team”.

And the crowd went wild. We had such a wonderfully engaging debate around the power and value of perception. Both sides made valid arguments. There were folks who were adamant about the idea that perception does not impact that which is real. And perhaps they are right. Perception may not match truth and reality. It does; however, have an impact on what is real in the eyes of the person/people doing the perceiving. Here’s an example:

Sally perceives that John brings very little value to the team. Sally has her own supporting examples to back up this perception. Even if her examples are flawed, the belief is still true and real to Sally. Reality.

The Good News!

“All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.” ―Friedrich Nietzsche

The good news is that we have the power to manage perceptions, and it doesn’t take much to get started. Here are two quick-start tips to begin the process of managing perceptions!

1. Be Self-Aware

Pay attention. Try to consider the impact you are having on others. How do others view you? What types of responses do you elicit from your words and actions? If anyone has ever read one of my blog posts, read my book, or attended one of my sessions, you know that I am a big fan of self-assessment. Take some time out to examine yourself, your contributions, your impact.

2. Be the Brand!

Whatever your brand is, live it! We hear the term “Personal Branding” thrown about all the time, but what it is about? Personal Branding is the method through which we market ourselves in order to manage others’ perception or emotions related to our value. It is the method through which we shape, market, and manage our reputation.

While I could go on and on talking about personal branding and power of marketing oneself (and I could shamelessly plug my book, “Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC”), I will instead give two quick nuggets:

• Association: Network and connect with people who have a positive, valued reputation and who bring value to you.
• Communication:
  • Be very purposeful, deliberate, intentional with your words and actions.
  • Plan your communication. If you want to control perceptions, think about the message that you wish to send, and then chose the messaging wisely.

It’s Your Turn

So, I ask you, my readers, two questions:

• Do you subscribe to the notion that Perception is reality?
• What steps do you take to control to manage others’ perceptions of you?

Share your thoughts!

(Image sources: Microsoft Clip Art Gallery, WikiMedia Commons)

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You Made a Mistake, Now What? You Can Recover

So, it happened. You made a pretty major mistake on the job, and now all eyes are on you. Perhaps you missed an important meeting, published incorrect data, or angered a major client. Or maybe it’s a Julia Braverman-Graham level mistake, in which you’ve dropped the ball on a multi-million dollar deal. (This reference will only make sense to my Parenthood fans!)

The good news is that for the majority of us, TMZ won’t broadcast our mistake to the world. And the reality is: You can recover, no matter the size of the mistake.

We’ve seen it countless times. Look at former President Bill Clinton, Michael Vick, and many other examples of human beings who have made catastrophic mistakes that could have potentially destroyed their careers, but instead, they were able to get on the road to recovery.

Bill Clinton. According to an article in USA Today, Clinton is among the top 10 all-time wealthiest presidents! I was 23 and I still remember his address to the nation . C’mon, you remember it too. It went something like “I did not have sexual relations with that woman. . . “. And I’m sure you remember the day he had to eat those very words, humble himself before the nation, and tell the truth!

And remarkably, he recovered from that.

And what about Vick? We all remember 2007 and the charges of dog fighting that ended in his conviction. But, no matter how you may feel about Vick, one thing is for certain: his story shows that people can recover professionally from big mistakes! Many people have not forgiven his actions (and possibly never will), and he is still traveling that road to redemption, but there is no denying that he got a second chance in his profession to make millions doing something he loves. In fact, in 2011, he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. Recovery!

How do they do it? How do people recover after such devastating and public blows to their careers? We can use countless examples of celebrities, politicians, or people that we know personally to demonstrate that recovery is possible. The recipe for recovery certainly includes accountability, effective communication, and action.

As you know, I am a professional development trainer with K-Ferg Training, and the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC". When clients ask me about righting a wrong in the workplace, I share my 5 tips to recover in the face of a major mistake. Check out my tips below!

• Get In Front of It

  - Never hide behind what you have done or failed to do. We all make mistakes. Accountability is always key. Take responsibility for your mistake. That might be painful and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll increase your respect-factor tenfold by just being honest. People may discover that in the face of a challenging situation, you are honest, reliable, and dedicated to the cause.

Nobody is perfect, but try to avoid redirecting the blame to someone else. If it is your mistake, own the issue. Rather than comparing your mistake to the mistakes that other colleagues have made, just be available. Let people know that you are ready to take responsibility to work toward resolution.

• Prevention

  – It’s more than just coming up with a solution for this mistake. It is about creating strategies to prevent the mistake from occurring again. Key employees don’t simply react; they respond proactively. If all you ever do is react, someone can replace you.

This is an opportunity to learn from your error, and demonstrate that new-found knowledge by creating and recommending solutions.

• Intentional, Strategic Communication

  – Think about politicians or celebrities in the face of scandal. Many face the public with a skillfully crafted acknowledgement of wrong-doing coupled with language that evokes human emotion. While I certainly do not have a public relations professional at my beck and call to address responses to my missteps, I believe in the power of sending the right message with my words and tones. So tip number three is simple: Be very intentional and careful with your words. This is paramount. It’s about branding. It’s about communicating strategically and deliberately. You want to position yourself as trustworthy and dependable.

If you respond to the error with a lie, empty promises, or insincere words, it will be two-times as hard for you to recover and rebuild trust, when the truth is discovered.

• Get Your Network Behind You

  – So, you’re no Beyonce or Katy Perry. You don’t have an paid entourage that can get behind you and boost your confidence a bit. You are, however, a business professional with an extended network of power behind you. Sincerely communicate with your department, colleagues, and those within your network who may be impacted by the error. Lean on your inner circle for support. And align yourself with people that others trust. This will help you re-position yourself.

• Get Over It!

  Let’s keep it 100% honest. Every one of us has made mistakes. Once we have done what we feel is necessary to begin the recovery process, we have to forgive ourselves, and let it go. I have seen colleagues beat themselves up for weeks, months (sometimes years) over one mistake. What seems like a big deal today, may not seem as bad tomorrow. And if it does seem as bad tomorrow, continue to work to rebuild the trust that may have been damaged as a result of the error, but don’t allow the error to consume you.

Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop. Recovery is not always easy. It’s not always instant, but if managed appropriately, recovering from a mistake is a reality!

(Top Image Source: Philly.com, Other image sources: Microsoft Clip Art Gallery, WikiMedia Commons)

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Kimberly A. Ferguson is a Learning & Development trainer and coach, a MBTI Certified Practitioner, the author of "Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC", and the owner of Excel Service Consulting, LLC.

For more information about Kimberly,

• Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kfergspeaks
• Like her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kfergspeaks
• Visit her online at: http://www.kferg.com

Make Your Job Work: It Starts With YOU

It was like a match made in heaven. Exciting and new; you saw endless possibilities, and the sky was the limit. "A Pro-Mantic Relationship", you loved your profession and your profession loved you --- a roomy office, great professional connections, autonomy, and flexibility. But after just a few short months (or maybe years), you are realizing that perhaps all that glitters may not be gold, and that the grass is undoubtedly just as brown on the other side. The dream job that you were so enthusiastic about is not as dreamy after all. No matter the reason (financial, job responsibilities, interpersonal relationships, unclear advancement path, etc.), you may not want to throw in the towel yet ... because you may very well be at the root of your unhappiness!

Below are the 6 C’s --- my tips guaranteed to add the spark and rekindle the pro-mance.

Check Yourself.

That’s right. It’s time for some good, old-fashion self-assessment. Sometimes it is so much easier to find fault with others. “My boss is a poor communicator.” “My team is not effective.” “My co-worker is not pulling his weight.” But let’s take some responsibility for ourselves. Whenever I deliver a professional development workshop or a coaching session for clients, I start with self-assessment, because I believe it is so, very important. In my book, “Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC”, I outline some self-assessment strategies. The key point is that In order to determine what we need to do, we have to figure out where we are.

Where are you falling short? What actions have you taken or failed to take that have absolutely contributed to the breakdown of the pro-mance?

Correct Yourself.

Okay, in assessing yourself, you’ve identified some personal hindrances -- those challenges that get in the way of success for you. It’s great to be aware, but it is more important to take action. Be the example. Your personal accountability and the action you take can motivate others to effectiveness. And honestly, action is empowerment. If I take action to correct myself, not only am I more effective, I feel better about myself and the situation.

Change Your Attitude.

We have all heard it said in one form or another that our attitude has a direct impact on our altitude. Our view of situations and how we respond to those situations can accelerate or impede our progress. And our attitude can have a direct impact on how others perceive us. So, my advice is simple. Fix your attitude. If you dislike your current situation, ask yourself “why?” What is it that you dislike? And instead of focusing on that which you do not like, redirect your energy on finding the positive. Instead of obsessing on the things that you do not like about your co-workers, boss, workplace, etc.; reach deep within to identify the positive qualities, and direct your focus there.

I am certainly aware that this is easier said than done, but I am living proof that it can be done and is quite effective.

Communicate Effectively.

It’s a known fact that poor communication is a relationship killer. It leads to frustration, disappointment, resentment. . . But what do you do, if your boss or co-workers are not effective communicators? It’s simple, take control of the communication. How?

When you need information or need others to take action, make sure that you are asking direct, specific questions and clearly setting expectations regarding how and when you want the response delivered. Also, make sure when you are requesting something from a boss, co-worker, etc., that they understand the relevance of the request. That’s right, explain why you need the information and the benefit to them in providing the information. Whether folks admit it or not, people always want to know “What’s in it for me.”

When sharing information, take into consideration the recipient’s communication style. What type of information does he/she trust? What type of information do they need in order to get the job done? In answering these simple questions, you can provide a relevant, succinct message that meets the recipient’s needs and makes you a trusted source of information.

Communicate in positive terms. No matter the situation, never speak negatively about people or systems. If a system is flawed, speak in terms of solutions. “This is the flaw, and this is the solution”. No one wants to hear someone whine about problems; instead, decision-makers want to hear from people who are pro-actively, preventatively creating solutions!

The bottom line to effective communication is to say what you mean, mean what you say, and make sure that meaning is understood. Become a trusted source of accurate, honest information.

Catch Opportunities.

“That’s not in my job description” “ It’s not my responsibility.” How many times have we heard these phrases? The perceptions that these phrases can create are damaging to our overall personal brand. I always encourage my clients to take advantage of relevant opportunities. If you are presented with the opportunity to work on a task or project --- even if the opportunity isn't directly connected to one’s current responsibilities, employees should consider the connection to future roles/responsibilities before turning away an opportunity. If there is a connection to a future job or if the opportunity will put you in front of important people, then catch the opportunity being thrown your way. Always consider the requester and the request.

Connect. Connect. Connect.

In addition to catching opportunities to work on relevant projects, we must take advantage of opportunities to connect with relevant people. Who is relevant to your career advancement? Network and create connections that create win-win situations. What can you bring to the relationship; and what value does your new connection bring?

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Not every uncomfortable situation is meant to send us packing and headed for the hills! Many of us find power, relevance, and growth in work situations that are not ideal, because these situations push us to be resourceful, innovative, and unconventional in our approach. We must use our judgement, along with the 6 C’s to create the optimal situation for our professional lives.

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Acknowledgements: Images courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net; Marcolm at FreeDigitalPhotos.net; and Franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

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You’re Not Special: EVERYBODY Is Replaceable

We have all heard it said at some point in our professional careers: “Everybody is replaceable.” It may be a short sentence --- only eight syllables --- and just three words in length, but this phrase can be heavy. It can carry so much weight – that it makes it difficult for any truly dedicated, conscientious worker to swallow and digest.

Why? Well, because: those three words tell an employee that no matter what value he/she brings to the table, someone else can be hired to do the same job and have the same impact.

Are You Irreplaceable?

Beyonce sings songs about it. Stephen Covey wrote chapters on it. We have always thought of ourselves as “irreplaceable”. As children, we were brought up to believe that we bring our own distinct value. . . . that we are special.

Then we entered the workforce to learn that we were not the only special employees. That old adage, “one monkey don’t stop no show” was proven to be true. While we have seen employees try to “stop the show” with their “I QUIT” announcement, the show inevitably, undoubtedly, manages to go on!

While I agree that the show can and will go on without you, I’ve seen the evidence time and time again that the individual value a worker brings sets his/her replace-ability factor. In other words, the more perceived value you have, the more likely that an employer will want to keep you around.

How does one increase his/her perceived value?

Strengthening your value does not necessary make you “irreplaceable”, but it certainly provides yet another reason why an employer might not want to lose you. There are several ways that employees can increase their value in the workplace. Below I have identified 3 tips that readers can start implementing today. They are my ABC’s of Building Your Value:

Align Yourself: Do you know the mission and vision of your organization? Do you know your department’s strategic initiatives? How about your boss’s expectations for you? If not, get in the know. And it is not just about knowing them; it is about your ability to walk in alignment with the mission, vision, and goals every day. It is about your ability to live the mission and vision, and to live up to (if not surpass) your employer’s expectations.

Making sure that you are living the mission and vision, and working in direct alignment with these three areas (organization, department, and management) will immediately increase your value. Alignment demonstrates your willingness to commit to the overall strategy.

How do you Align Yourself?

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the organization’s goals.
• Work in concert with those people and teams who are working towards those goals.
• Develop your own personal vision that directly supports the organizational and departmental goals
• Be able to clearly communicate the value that you bring through alignment
• Document! Document! Document! Keep track of your daily activities, decision-making, and performance. Compare your tasks to management’s expectations of you. Are you meeting expectations?

Make a commitment to “align yourself”. If you help catapult your boss, department, and organization to the next level, your elevation should naturally follow

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Build Your Network: Of course, you have heard the saying, “it isn’t what you know, it’s who you know”. While I don’t subscribe to this belief entirely ( afterall, who you know will only get you so far), I do believe that developing a strong network of like-minded individuals and influential professionals can help in building value.

With tools like LinkedIn, building your value through networking has never been easier.

What should you consider as you Build Your Network?

As you build your network, surround yourself with people who have a similar vision. But also be sure to connect with people who motivate and inspire you -- perhaps someone in a position in which you’d like to be some day, or someone whose work ethic you admire.

• Identify like-minded individuals
• Schmooze! Join groups/networks in your industry of interest
• Widen your network with influential, thought-leaders
• Network both internally and externally: Build your network within the four walls of your organization; but also make contacts outside of the company.

Create Your Brand: So, I always tell my 8-year-old daughter not to concern herself with what others think of her. Well, this advice goes right out the window when I am talking to business professionals about increasing professional value.

In most cases in our professional lives, it does matter what others think. Remember, your employer’s perception of you is reality . . . at least to them. If they see you as a go-getter, then that is what you are.

But what if I told you that you have the power to direct and possibly control that perception? Would you believe that that power lies in the development of your personal brand?

I’m not encouraging you to be something you’re not. In fact, what I’m suggesting is the opposite. I'm suggesting that you use your personal brand to advertise your best professional qualities.Your personal brand is how you communicate the unique value that you consistently bring. It is the way that you market yourself and drive the message to shape perceptions!

So, how does one build his/ her brand? Building one’s brand is an ongoing process, but here are few steps to get you started:

• Self-Assess and Act: Identify your strengths and be able to effectively and confidently communicate them. Recognize your weaknesses and challenges, and determine what steps you are going to take to address them!
• Define Your Value: Do you know why you are valuable to your team and to the organization? What do you do that no one else does? What processes have you implemented or improved? Being able to effectively communicate why you are valuable is crucial.
• Demonstrate your value: Give your all! A key aspect of building your brand is showing how valuable you are. Don’t just talk about it! Demonstrate it!
• Let Your Personality Shine Through: What are the best aspects of your personality? Share the best part of you by letting that personality shine! When you allow this to happen, it is easier to personally connect with clients, colleagues, and management, and establish a rapport.

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So, what’s the point? The point is simple. It’s time to start thinking “next level”. Status quo is not enough --- especially in this job market. Value is the keyword, and in order to increase employability, we must be able to strengthen our perceived value, and effectively communicate to others the value we bring. Yes, an employer may be able to bring someone in to fill a position, but if you are creating and adding value, it is more likely that an employers will want to keep you around.

You are special. And if the right steps are taken, you can be IRREPLACEABLE!

If You Want Success, Go Get It!

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed a recurring theme in the questions I have received surrounding achieving success. What I have noticed is simple. People want success (and many are really hungry for it) but either:

a)     they aren’t self-aware. They don’t even realize that they are exhibiting certain behaviors and attitudes that are hindering their progress; and/or

b)    they aren’t willing or ready to eliminate those behaviors that are preventing them from achieving that success

In my book, Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC, I spend quite a bit of time discussing my model for developing a plan for success – which begins with a guideline for defining what success looks like to you – the individual. But once you’ve defined success, and built that plan for success, are you truly ready to take action?

In order to take action, you may need to free yourself of those things that have you fettered; release yourself from those things that are weighing you down. You may need to say “No More!” to those behaviors and attitudes that are barriers to your success. 

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No More!

1)     No more excuses: It is time for accountability. Anyone who has ever attended one of my workshops (or even had a conversation with me) knows that I am BIG on accountability --- taking responsibility for self. We all know a person who is constantly making excuses. It is so easy to blame everyone and everything when things are not going our way, but it is time to stop taking the easy way out and take responsibility for your actions, or lack thereof! 

It’s really quite easy. First, be honest with yourself. Examine your situation. What have you done or failed to do that has landed you where you are now? What must you start doing to go next level? A thorough, honest self- assessment of one’s strengths, weaknesses, patterns of behavior, and attitudes can help you on your road to personal accountability. (There are a number of self-assessment tools available online that can help! And I’ll take this time to shamelessly plug my book, “Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC”, in which I spend some time focusing on the importance of self-assessment on your journey to success. In the book, STRATEGIC is an acronym for the 9 characteristics of a successful career plan. The “S” stands for Self-Assessment-based.)

The nitty gritty: excuses and whining are not only a turn-off, but they stand in the way of real progress.  Stop making excuses and stop whining, because the truth is: no one wants to hear that it isn’t your fault and why you didn’t do what you could have, and should have done!

2)     No more limits: Sometimes the only limits or barriers that we face are self-inflicted. Have you ever said or thought:

“I can’t do it.”

“I’m not good at that.”

“I’m not smart enough.”

“I’m not fast enough.” 

“I can’t compete.”

In order to achieve success; fear, self-doubt, and negative thinking must be eliminated. Push past that which you thought was impossible. Destroy those self-limiting beliefs and self-fulfilling prophecies; and raise your expectation of self. If you believe you can succeed, you can – if you have SMART goals, a well-thought out plan, and destroy those behaviors that can potentially derail your progress.

And since we are being honest, the reality is that sometimes the limits or barriers that we face can come from the influence of others within our circle. That’s right; sometimes our friends, families, and colleagues can contribute to our limitations.  As such, it is important to be sure to connect yourself with positive, goal-oriented people – those who are driven and challenge the people around them, instead of tearing them down! I’m not suggesting that you surround yourself with people who are simply going to tell you what you want to hear, or that you start abandoning existing friendships.  Instead, I’m suggesting that you build your network and widen your circle of influential people. Here are some helpful tips:

·         Try to identify people who have similar interests and goals, and connect with them. Share knowledge, experiences, and encouragement!

·         In addition, identify one or two people who are already where you are trying to go ---individuals who have achieved success, based on your own individual definition of success. (Shameless plug #2: Check out my book, Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC for help with creating that success plan!)  What does success look like to you? Who has achieved that? Once you’ve figured out who these people are, I encourage you to build a mentorship with them. I have two amazing mentors who have poured so much positivity, honesty, guidance, inspiration, and motivation into my life.

The nitty gritty: Recognizing and eliminating behaviors that limit you will help you along your path to success.

3)     No more distractions: So, you’ve defined success; you have a well thought-out success plan; and you’ve begun to take action. You’ve done away with excuses and you’ve destroyed those pesky self-limiting beliefs.  But, somehow, you are not making the progress that you anticipated.

Could it be that you are distracted? Many Career Development and Time Management experts call these distractions “Time Robbers”.  These are the people, unnecessary activities, and behaviors that divert us from achieving our goals.  Time Robbers are distractions. What time robbers could you be facing? Unnecessary interruptions, unproductive conversations, watching television, smart devices, reading junk mail, etc.?  The list goes on. Whatever your distraction is, today is the day to take charge!

Let’s face it. We live in a culture in which technology has made it very easy to become distracted. From social networking and online games to the massive collection of information that is at your fingertips.

So what is a person to do? Take control of your time. Here are just a few tips to help you manage some common distractions:

·         Track it: Assess where your time is going through the use of a time log or another tool, and manage it.   

·         Manage it: After tracking your time, identify those time robbers, and work on strategies to avoid them.

·         To-Do it:  We all have a list of things to do. Create a to-do list. Then prioritize that list, and create a schedule for tackling each item on the list. Determine which items on your list are most important, and be sure to complete them first!

·         “Just Say No” to it: When I was a kid, I remember Nancy Reagan popping up on my favorite television shows to tell us to “Just Say No” to drugs. Of course,I certainly support that idea; however, in this posting, I’m encouraging you to "just say no” to time robbers. Sure, Scandal may be your favorite television show or Facebook may be your favorite past-time, but you may have to DVR Scandal and close your web browser, so that you can work on getting closer to your goals!

·         Organize It: Chaos is a time robber. If our lives are in chaos and we are not organized, by default, we lose time. First steps: De-clutter Your Life. Get your desks and calendars in order!

So, how do we de-clutter? My suggestion is to find or create a file and calendar management strategy that works for you.  

You’ll notice that you will feel so much better when your life  is clear of clutter.

The nitty gritty: No matter the source of your distraction, implement a time management strategy that works for you! This will help you keep control of your time and manage your tasks effectively ---without the unnecessary interruptions that can potentially derail your progress!

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The bottom line is this: Success is within your reach. It is up to you to define what success looks like for you, develop a plan to achieve it, eliminate behaviors that will slow you down or prevent you from achieving success, AND take action!

My Radio Interview with Jacque Howard of WIMG

What an amazing night! I had a radio interview at Stellar Award Winning Station of the Year, WIMG with Jacque Howard. Jacque was an awesome host. 

I  grew up listening to that station. It was an honor to be in the studio to talk about my business and book.  Here is the link to the audio:
https://soundcloud.com/jacque-howard-1/sounds-from-monday-evening

Trenton 365 Host, Jacque Howard and
Marketing You: Be STRATEGIC Author, Kimberly A. Ferguson
After Live On-Air Interview on 5/19/2014

More exciting things are coming for KFerg... Stay tuned!