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First Impression


 
Have you ever gone on an interview or met someone for the first time? What impression do you leave with those people? Do you leave an impression of confidence, knowledge and positive attitude?

Leaders are always leaving an impression, some are good and some are bad. Some leave impressions with customers so leave it with coworkers and others with their employees. It is important that leaders are leaving a positive impression with everyone they come in contact with. Just like the athlete, politician or actor, leaders are under a microscope and the impression they leave leaves a lasting impression on the minds of those around them.

There are three things you as a leader can do to ensure that you have left yourself with a positive lasting impression on those you come in contact with. 
  • Attitude – You need to have a positive attitude about everything. Even in the grimmest of circumstances you need to stay positive. You need to find the positive in everything you work on or confront. Sometimes you may have to takeaway little successes just to create a positive atmosphere. Those little successes will lead to a big positive. Attitude is everything! No one wants to work with or for a Debbie Downer.
  • Knowledge – Be armed and dangerous. Equip yourself with the knowledge necessary to get the Job done. You don’t just want to squeak by you want to go over and above. Do your homework on everything you work on and become the knowledge expert in that area. Even if it is something you don’t like, learn about it anyway. People want to know that you have the knowledge to be the leader they are looking for.
  • Confidence – With a positive attitude and good knowledge you will have the bold confidence to succeed. Show that confidence and lay it out in front of those you are trying to impress. If they see that you have confidence to be successful they will want to be part of that success. Instill that confidence in others by encouraging them and sharing with them your knowledge. The more people know the more confident they become in their abilities.
 
Next time you need to leave a first impression go into that meeting with a positive attitude, armed with the knowledge necessary and walk in with your head held high in confidence and boldness. Impress their socks off and you will be the leader they want.  
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