What thoughts immediately come to your mind when you hear the word “Perception?”
Maybe the way we dress, talk, or act.
Part of what comes to my mind is listening to the various dialects and how some people can get their points across in a succinct manner.
Mastering Succinct Communication: Why Less Is Often More – English Plus Podcast
Although, I try very hard not to judge people I can get a good understanding of who they are through their words.
Here’s what I mean: You ask them a question and they give you a nonchalant response that something is just okay.
In my mind or my frame of thinking when I hear the word “okay” it means that something either didn’t suit their taste buds, it could have been better, or I’d rather not talk about it.
I believe that our attitudes and our behaviors which we have control over will dictate the words we decide to choose when talking with other people.
I recently found myself looking for something to eat in Montgomery, AL after I realized that I needed something to eat before going to bed.
I quickly realized the area I had chosen to stop was not a good place to stop and pick up something to eat after 7 PM. I was in an area where I was over-dressed to be stopping in this part of town.
Perception is real and too many times my instincts have proven to be correct.
Our eyes sometimes tell a story also when we see the looks of people’s faces.
I know various types of perceptions exist.
The 8 Types of Human Perception (and How They Work) | 2025
Nowadays even hairstyles can be a form of perception with people of color going natural.
Natural hair can be a source of stress, empowerment — WHYY
I know that it used to be years ago you would not get hired if you didn’t fit the model or culture of an organization.
This weekend, I was with many Baby boomers who were brought up with having a clean-cut haircut.
Yet I also witnessed men who still put relaxers in their hair and had Teeny Weeny Afros (TWA’s).
My hairstyle continues to resemble the “High and Tight” based on my time in the military.
How we celebrate our looks is up to each one of us. During many of my Army Reunions, I’ve witnessed the bald look and I’m sure some of my peers have their thoughts about my high and tight hair style.
20 Neat High and Tight Haircuts for Men in 2025 – The Trend Spotter
I believe the “High and Tight” will continue to be around for years to follow.
Finally, as someone who wore suits for a living, un-shined dress shoes can give others a perception of your grooming.
Growing up in New York, I wore a uniform to school every day being part of PS 104 in Brooklyn, NY.
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/schools/K104
I’m dating myself when I tell you when my father was stationed at Fort Hamilton, we watched the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge being built.
Also, later in the 1993-1994 time period, I stayed at Fort Hamilton Guest House which I will never do again.
The traffic coming off the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge requires earplugs if you plan to stay at the Fort Hamilton Guest House to get a good night’s sleep without hearing cars all night coming off the bridge.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge | Description, Length, History, & Facts | Britannica
I digress; however, my mother would inspect our shoes and ensure they were properly shined before we went to school each week.
Today, nothing has changed for me since grade school to being an adult and often people can tell of my military background through the perception of my dress code.
It was my upbringing in a military family that my perception of looks still haunts me today. We were told to always look our best. It was impressed upon us to make sure we have clean underwear and socks on before leaving the house looking and look like somebody who takes care of himself.
It’s part of my VABES (Values Assumptions, Beliefs, and Expectations) that I learned while attending Darden Business School while learning about the three Levels of Leadership taught by the author James G. Clawson.
James G. Clawson | Darden Ideas to Action
(27) The Power of VABEs and Propensity Health and Safety Leadership | LinkedIn
I heard something very powerful this weekend at Mass that many of us encountered two weeks ago during Easter which was “Resurrection Power.”
The bottom-line Easter did not end that Monday morning as we continue to celebrate for 50 days.
However, for many, there is still a perception Easter is over.
I’m sure many throughout the world will also have their perceptions shortly as the designated Cardinals meet for the conclaves to decide on the new pope to lead the flock.
Today, I challenge you to take time and do some self-reflection and think about all the various perceptions as you talk, listen, and see people each day.
“To change ourselves effectively, we first had to change our perceptions.” ― Stephen R. Covey
McKinley,
I certainly have some of the same perceptions I had 20 years ago. Among other things, I now, however, realize that long hair and wrinkle clothes doesn’t equate to lower standards, or having different believes from me doesn’t makes someone wrong. I am thankful to have a wider view of the world and people. I try to see the beauty in all people no matter what their status or how they look!
McKinley,
This is an interesting post. Perception makes me think of seeing, hearing, feeling, touching or smelling. My senses are heightened. I share some of your perceptions and yes there is cultural norms too. But, I now understand the adage “not to judge a book by its cover” refers to all persons. So I have my perceptions. However I keep an open mind therefore, I look for the beauty in all. Mindset change!