Impressions

When one travels to a new place or meets a new person or encounters or experiences something previously un-investigated he usually forms an immediate impression that tends to last, but sometimes invites further investigation and thus can be altered. These impressions can be positive or negative. There are few new experiences that do not, to some degree, color future encounters with the same stimulus.  And impressions happen quickly.  It is at that point that generalizations begin to form that could lead to polar opposites—attraction/repulsion; invitation/exclusion; participation/avoidance; acceptance/rejection. 

  

The impressions or representations we make on others can, therefore, be very important. Impressions are made and impressions are received once one's attention is drawn to something new or unique. 

   

The art of making a good and lasting impression on others is something that can be developed by careful attention.  Many a job-seeker or wife-or-husband-seeker or salesperson has been sunk by not developing the skill of looking through another person’s eyes or sensing the impression he/she is making. 

The advice I would give is to Do unto others, or Be unto others, or Represent unto others, what you would like to have done unto you—provided you do not compromise your deepest values.  People of all cultures or religions recognize this as being an application or variation of what Christians call the ‘Golden Rule.’ You give the person what they really want or really need because this is what you really want for yourself—and for them.

First impressions are, of course, only made once.  Second or third (good) impressions become progressively more difficult to make if the first one is blown. 

If you have blown an opportunity to make a good first impression there still may be hope.  Barriers may need to be breached, apologies made, pride dropped, submission occur and trust developed or little can be done to help one repair the damage done and make a better first impression (actually second or subsequent impression). 

 

This is where the coachable person can make tremendous strides forward—if he/she would but learn from the more-experienced or successful mentor or model who has or understands these principles.

 

The caveat, however, for giver and receiver, is that impressions are impressions—they are not the whole truth.  Getting to know someone or something takes time. So do not jump to hasty conclusions over first impressions or appearances.

  

Learn and practice the skill of making good first impressions and representations—and let them be true.