One of the hardest things I share with transitioning military service members—who have spent a significant amount of their lives and careers in service of a purpose greater than themselves—is that perception matters in the civilian world.

Is he counted in the army? Sure, but the rules of engagement are different. Rank, status, performance and job guidelines greatly influence the opportunities you attract. In the private sector, how others perceive you is sometimes more important than your previous experience or skills.

How is perception formed?

As humans we are aware. We form beliefs, opinions, feelings, and viewpoints based on many things, including emotional filters, past experiences, our perspective and context, our cultural, religious, political, or social views, and more. Scientists might say that our senses receive information, and our brain interprets it.

Cognition is human behavior. We form perceptions and perspectives on the spot to make sense of the world around us. Do I feel safe? Is this a good opportunity? Do I like this person?

Why does perception matter?

I often hear: “If I’m good, they should want to hire or promote me.” Your track record alone should predict your future professional growth, right? But it doesn’t. If your boss and colleagues view you as uncooperative, difficult to work with and aloof, they may withhold their endorsement of career opportunities, opportunities to be more visible with senior leaders and promotions.

Likewise, if your skills and experience are compatible and key decision makers like your boss or hiring manager view you as growth-oriented, collaborative, and smart, they may be more inclined to want to help you succeed.

Realization (with the right people) is important. Not everyone will like you. Not everyone will like you or want to help you, but the people who matter to you hold the key to growing your career. Don’t focus on getting everyone To see you properly. You will never please everyone. If someone is important to your career, do everything you can to change their perceptions. If they don’t matter, so be it.

Challenge with perception

Have you ever judged wrongly? Someone may have created an inaccurate or incomplete perception of you. Well, join the club.

The challenge with perception is that it is often wrong. Maybe they knew someone you remembered, and they passed on their negative feelings to you. They may still view you as the person you were when you first joined the team even though you have grown up a bit since those early days. Maybe they didn’t take the time to get to know you but actually fired you for no reason. If you are asked to describe how they perceive you, their views may seem true to them but have little basis in the reality you know.

How to drive positive perception

If someone has no idea who you are, or if their perception is wrong, there are ways you can remedy that.

First, if they don’t know you, but their impression of you is important to your career, make yourself visible. Look for opportunities to showcase your skills and talents, highlight your passions and professional interests and help them see you right.

Some ideas:

• Connect on LinkedIn and then share the perspectives and knowledge that elevate your profile and vision
• Speak up in meetings using the insights you’ve thought about and prepared in advance
• Encourage your network (who know this person well) to advocate for you, and reinforce your name and value to this person

If someone important to your career sees you negatively or incorrectly, do everything you can to fix it. Although we cannot change people, we can move their perceptions of us to more closely match our true identity. For example, if your boss casually describes you as “not leadership material,” address that perception by emphasizing your desire to grow your career and then backing up that assertion with examples of when you’ve taken on leadership roles.

Some additional ideas:

• Enlist the support of others who can attest to your credibility, vision, and leadership potential
• Emphasize keywords that match how you want to be known. Consistently refer to yourself with valuable phrases and words that support your ideal reputation to reframe the narrative of how you are seen. It is important that your words are backed up by actions. Simply saying that you are a leader is not enough. Show directory.
• Look for opportunities to show your talents and potential. Raise your hand to lead key initiatives, deliver presentations, and get time in front of influential company leaders. This will help overcome the negative perception someone may have of you and your abilities.

While the perception may seem unfair, it is true. Instead of leaving it up to chance that you will be perceived the way you want, take control and drive positive perception to grow your career.

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