Go into your closet. I’m guessing that you have pants that are in several different sizes. Let’s say one is a 32 inch waist and the other 34. Now answer quickly: What size pants do you wear?
Many people will say, “I’m a size 32,” even though they are not being entirely truthful. They like to perceive themselves at their best or thinest. It’s an ideal that they feel can be easily achieved, even if some seams may disagree.
Think about how you drive a car? Do you become a better driver when you realize that a police officer is behind you? If someone were to ask about your driving skills, would you say that you’re a good driver? Would you leave out the times when a cop isn’t on your tail and you speed, roll through stop signs and talk on the phone while applying makeup at 45 mph?
On the job, we can have a similar perception of ourselves. I’ve met very few people who don’t say that they work hard and deserve more money and a promotion. Do you view your daily performance in the same way that you think of your pants size or your driving skills? I’m not talking about your best day at work but rather what you bring to the table every day.
You already have a picture of your highest skill level in your mind. What can you do today to move yourself closer to that goal? Do you need to imagine the boss standing over your shoulder to put our your best performance?
At a time when layoffs are common, pay freezes are rare, and the job market is stagnant, does it sound like a good idea to make sure your on the job performance is perceived in the best way possible? Or do you want to assume that people will look at you in your “fat pants” and think that you’re thin.
Every day on the job, you create the reality that others use to judge your performance.
