It’s tough creating a lasting first impression……you got to be real!!

I have been working for a few years now and have met and listened to a few CEO’s earlier in my career span. Each one creates their impact on you with their own style and motivational statements. Though, not forgetting to mention here that these statements lasts in your mind for a mere few minutes and that’s it………BOOM………everything heard then simply evaporates!!

In the morning of 21st Nov 2008, when I entered office, I was informed that the CEO would visit our Mumbai office and address each one of us for a brief 15 mins. This was the first time the CEO was visiting Mumbai, India and I was looking forward to his first impression.

Each employee, was told to remain seated at their own desk, since the CEO would like to say hello to each employee at his/her desk. Oh-My-Goodness me……..please spare me, with these childish instructions. We are not school children any longer…C’mon lets grow up!!

As Jack Welch says, "I think that ideally that is how a company works. It becomes a place of ideas, not a place of position."

I was just thinking to myself, that here is another OH-SO-REHEARSED speech, that I would have to put up with.

Okay, the moment came..…….the CEO walked into our office and greeted each one of us. Each employee including myself, showcased a big fat smile…….

The Turning point

The CEO’s addressal speech began and this was the turning point. The best thing about the speech was to concise the global organisation’s performance, achievements and plans for the future, in all that we do, in a mere 15 mins. This was truly commendable!!!

They say, it is easier to write and orate a lengthy speech. The art of your caliber, potential and vision is judged when you can précis write your lengthy speech……at the same time covering all aspects of the global organization.

I WAS THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED!!

No mention of all those motivational jargons made the speech even more extraordinary, real and effective. Infact it did not look rehearsed at all. I felt here is a man who is an intellect, down to earth, who shows his concern for planet earth and its environment and shows his concern for the people of the organization. He is no Manager, he is a Leader in true sense.

As the saying goes, "The fragrance of flowers spreads only in the direction of the wind. But the goodness of a person spreads in all direction."

Here is the three step success formula:

1. It starts with increasing your awareness.
2. With increased awareness comes better choices.
3. And with better choices come better results.

Every minute and every second of our being on earth, we are consciously and unintentionally creating a first impression. We just need to be sure, that we be real and be just the way we normally are. Believe me, you will create a FANTASTIC IMPRESSION for simply being yourself.

If you have your views/ comments/ queries, you can write to me at simplymearl@live.com or leave your inputs in the comments tab below.

Before I sign out, as I always say take very good care of yourself and God Bless!