Do you make a strong first impression?

Studies suggest that it only takes about 7 seconds to form an opinion about someone. Yikes! As an intelligent species, we quickly absorb information and form conclusions. The challenge arises when, once formed, additional data points are filtered through that lens, and we seek to prove ourselves right. After all, who doesn’t want to be right? But that’s essentially confirmation bias in action.

That is why the first module of The Connected Leader Course is Determine and Drive Your Leadership Brand. Do you know how you are perceived? We will challenge you to assess how you are known and bridge the gap between you desired and current leadership brand.

First impressions are undeniably critical, and it’s far easier to make a good first impression than to change a bad one. Consider what contributes to an initial impression. It begins with visual elements: facial expression, stance, posture, attire, energy, eye contact, and even how you enter a room or sit in a chair.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Tillis Lederman, (CSP, PCC, SCC, MBA) is an expert on workplace communications and relationships. Named by Forbes as one of the Top 25 Networking Experts, and one of the Top 30 Communications Professionals in the World by Global Gurus. Michelle is a speaker, trainer, executive coach, and author of four books including The Connector's Advantage and The 11 Laws of Likability. She was invited to the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches Group, “100 Coaches Community brings together the world’s premier leadership thinkers” to seek ways to advance positive impact and give back to society. 

An executive coach, people expert, and CEO of Executive Essentials, Michelle inspires organizations and individuals to build real relationships and get real results. Having worked with fortune 500, non-profit, university and government clients she’s identified the common struggle… it’s people challenges. When asked by her young son what she does, she simply replied, “I help people work better together.” This purpose has driven her work with clients large and small including JPMorgan, J&J, Deutsche Bank, Michigan State University, MetLife, Sony, Ernst & Young, the Department of Environmental Protection, and Madison Square Garden.

She received her BS from Lehigh University, her MBA from Columbia Business School, holds the PCC designation from the International Coaching Federation, and is certified in Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching method. Executive Essentials is a certified Women Business Enterprise.

You may also contact Michelle at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule her for speaking or leadership engagements.