First Impressions
A first impression is the event when one person encounters another person and forms a mental image of that person. I have often thought of my first impression of others but not as often their first impression of me. I have caught myself forming an opinion of someone without even having the opportunity to speak with them. As an example, I was attending an event and noticed a man in line to receive the event dinner. This man was dressed raggedly with dreadlocks. Thinking he was a homeless man sneaking a free meal, I was in awe that no one approached him asking him to move along. In my mind, I had thought what a great group of people that would allow this ‘homeless’ man a free meal. To my surprise, this man was our honored guest and key speaker.
Being new to the Morrison family, I am being integrated into a new world beyond the desk of number crunching to community and social events. I want to not only represent Morrison well but also myself. I want colleagues, clients and community members to have a positive first impression of me. You have one chance at a first impression and if you are conscious of it, you can make it count.
Ideas to makinga good first impression:
- Be on time
- Present yourself appropriately
- Smile
- Small talk goes a long way
- Be positive
- Be attentive
- Be yourself