1、Creating a Positive Professional Image-From Harvard Business SchoolJason 12/20/20115/21/20241People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence,character,and commitment,which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace,It is only wise to add your voice in
2、 framing others theories about who you are and what you can accomplish.5/21/20242What is a professional imageYour professional image is the set of qualities and characteristics that represent perceptions of your competence and character as judged by your key constituents(i.e.,clients,superiors,subor
3、dinates,colleagues).5/21/20243The differenceDesired professional imagePerceived professional imageThe image you want others to have of you.The image that you think people currently have of you.5/21/20244What do I want my key constituents to say about me when Im not in the room?Desired professional i
4、mageWhat am I concerned that my key constituents might say about me when Im not in the room?Undesired professional image.Direct feedback about your level of competence,character,and commitment.Indirect signals about your image,through job assignments or referrals and recommendations.Perceived profes
5、sional image5/21/20245Research shows that the most favorably regarded traits are trustworthiness,caring,humility,and capability.People face a number of complex challenges to creating a positive professional image:incongruence between their desired professional image and their perceived professional
6、image.5/21/20246How do stereotypes affect perceived professional imageNot perceived in the manner they desireUndesired professional image more closely aligned with how their key constituents actually perceive themThree types of identity threatspredicaments,devaluation,and illegitimacycompromise key
7、constituents perceptions of technical competence,social competence,character,and commitment.What lies at the source of this incongruence?5/21/20247All professionals will experience a predicament or event that reflects poorly on their competence,character,or commitment at some point in timeMistakes b
8、ecome public knowledgeCompetency gaps(e.g.,shortcomings or limitations in skill set or style).Predicament5/21/20248DevaluationFor example,African American men are stereotyped as being less intelligent and more likely to engage in criminal behavior than Caucasian men.Asian Americans are stereotyped a
9、s technically competent,but lacking in the social skills required to lead effectively.Working mothers are stereotyped as being less committed to their profession and less loyal to their employing organizations.5/21/20249Clients may question the qualifications of a freshly minted MBA who is represent
10、ing a prominent strategic consulting firm.Female medical students and residents are often mistaken for nurses or orderlies and challenged by patients who do not believe they are legitimate physicians.5/21/202410Impression management strategies enable you to explain predicaments,counter devaluation,a
11、nd demonstrate legitimacy.What is impression management and what are its potential benefits?Non-verbal behavior(appearance,demeanor),verbal cues(vocal pitch,tone,and rate of speech,grammar and diction,disclosures),and demonstrative acts(citizenship,job performance).5/21/202411Social identity-based i
12、mpression management(SIM)to create a positive professional image.SIM refers to the process of strategically presenting yourself in a manner that communicates the meaning and significance you associate with your social identities.Two SIM strategies:positive distinctiveness and social recategorization
13、5/21/202412Positive distinctiveness means using verbal and non-verbal cues to claim aspects of your identity that are personally and/or socially valued.Social recategorization means using verbal and non-verbal cues to suppress other aspects of your identity that are personally and/or socially deval
14、ued.(in an attempt to distance yourself from negative stereotypes associated with that group)5/21/202413Career advancementClient satisfactionBetter work relationships(trust,intimacy,avoiding offense)Group cohesiveness,A more pleasant organizational climateA more fulfilling work experience.Benefits5/
15、21/202414Build credibility and maintain authenticity.How do authenticity and credibility influence the positive outcomes of impression management attempts?5/21/202415Both true to self and valued and believed by others,impression management can yield a host of favorable outcomes for you and your orga
16、nization.When you present yourself in an inauthentic and non-credible manner,you are likely to undermine your health,relationships,and performance.5/21/202416If you arent managing your own professional image,someone else is.People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about you
17、r competence,character,and commitment,which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace.What are the steps individuals should take to manage their professional image5/21/202417Identify your ideal stateAssess your current image,culture,and audienceConduct a cost-benefit analysis for image changeUse strategic self-presentation to manage impressions and change your imageManage the effort you invest in the processTake a strategic,proactive approach to managing your image5/21/202418






