Impressions
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Management.
First Impressions Matter
Insights from Nan Russell’s Corporate Journey
Columnist Nan Russell offers valuable career insights drawn from over twenty years in the corporate realm, including her experience as a Vice President at QVC.
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Recently, I was caught off guard. While waiting in an airport lounge, I opened an email from a business associate, expecting a standard update. Instead, I found a message severing our relationship.
What shocked me wasn’t the decision itself?"business changes are part of the landscape?"but the way it was communicated. It reinforced a vital lesson: how you deliver a message is as crucial as the message itself.
In that moment, I learned more about my associate’s character than in all the months we had worked together. She opted for the easy path over the right one, avoiding a direct conversation. Her approach not only ended our business relationship, but also lost my respect. How we conduct ourselves speaks volumes about our values and identity, leaving lasting impressions on others.
It’s undeniably easier to use email for delivering bad news or cutting ties. Just like it’s simpler to offer advice without facing the consequences, give orders you don’t have to follow, or criticize without having to make improvements. Being reactive is easier than proactive, swapping long-term results for short-term gains, and telling your boss what they want to hear instead of what they need to know.
However, easier doesn’t mean better, nor does it lead to success. True success requires the courage to have tough conversations, end unproductive relationships, and handle conflicts honestly. It means addressing issues directly, being involved when necessary, and letting your actions reflect your principles.
In my two decades of management experience, I’ve found that those who succeed don't take shortcuts, even when facing challenges or fear. For them, how they work is as important as what they achieve. While everyone sometimes falters due to anger or frustration, successful people recognize their missteps and strive to improve.
Impressions from how we handle our work linger. Negative impressions can erode trust, eliminate respect, and derail careers. Positive ones, however, can build trust, earn respect, and advance careers. You might disagree with a decision, but still respect the manner in which it was executed?"that’s a lasting, positive impression. Want to thrive at work? Opt for the right way, not the easy way.
(c) 2005 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.
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