Constructing a Professional Image

2635 Words11 Pages
We very often say “I do not care whether other people like my way of thinking, the way I dress, my behavior or my personal skills” but let us face it. First impressions count. By definition, our professional image is a set of characteristics and qualities that show perceptions of our competence and character as judged by our key constituents (i.e., clients, subordinates, superiors, colleagues). Our image may not be very important in our everyday life but it will be needed in a working environment for sure. From our personal experience, we know that people are always observing others’ behavior and form opinions about these people’s personalities, characters, behavior, skills, etc. Whether we like it or not, whether we want it or not, others will always perceive the way we act differently and some image will be created. Laura Morgan Roberts, professor at a prominent University in U.S says: “If you aren't managing your own professional image, others are.” So it is nothing but wise for us to invest in the building of our professional image. Sometimes, first impressions will be crucial for the success of our business. There are many articles and books that tell people how to dress or control gestures but this is a small portion of what is needed for successful management of a professional image. In general, there are two main types of Professional Images – Desired Professional Image and Perceived Professional Image. It is important for us to distinguish these two terms. Desired Image is the image that we want others to have about us and Perceived Image is the image that we believe other people currently have about us. There is always the transition from the Perceived Image to Desired one i.e. people always strive to change other people’s perceptions until two images become identical. However, in real life that rarely happens. Most people would like to be
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