Perception in a workplace

These past few days I've been on vacation and have started to realize a horrible truth.  

I WAS WRONG.

Perception of you as an employee is as important as your work performance.

We often fool ourselves with what perception means...

We think it's either:

• What we wish people saw us as
• What we wish people could see us as
• What we think people see us as
• What we think people want to see us as

Confused?  Me too.

Or am I?

The truth is that perception in a work place is what people tell us they see us as and how that affects our job, standing and chances of advancement within or outside the company.

We need to listen to the subtle hints colleagues throw at us, as well as the direct shots from our superiors and those closest of colleagues.  Wives, husbands too...

It's simple.  You can't always have it your way.  You are one.  They are many. It's logic and good practice.  

Blend in but be yourself, stand up for yourself and your ideas but don't beat on anyone else's.

Know when to withdraw. A battle might have been lost, but not the war.

Seek advice from our closest colleagues and include them in some of your ideas. 

Learn the finer principles of a charm offensive.

Give gifts regularly and say thanks a lot.

But don't be a suck up.

Yes you are a winner, driven but learn how to deal with the harsh psychological scars of you having to once in a while take a dive and take one for the team or just stay silent.  I know, right!!

And finally the easy part....

Doing all of this from now on at my workplace.  Challenge accepted.