Halo Effect and the Power of Self Assurance
Fabricio Carvalho
SaaS Sales | Project Manager & Consultant | LGPD, ISO 27001 & Compliance | Educator
The Halo Effect, a cognitive bias that influences our perceptions and judgments, is a powerful force in our lives. Have you ever been swayed by a first impression or initial perception of a person or product? What if I told you that not only does the Halo Effect impact our decision-making, but it can also be utilized to our advantage?
In this article, we'll delve into the Halo Effect, examining its origins, as I will share my personal experience and its implications in our professional world. How can this cognitive bias be harnessed to shape our perceptions, interactions, and ultimately, our career paths?
Definition
Origins
The "Halo Effect" is a cognitive bias that refers to the tendency for individuals to make overall judgments or evaluations of a person, product, or organization based on one specific trait or characteristic.
This trait may be positive or negative, and regardless of the knowledge or information the individual has about the subject, it affects the individual's overall perception.
This phenomenon was first studied by psychologist Edward Thorndike, who found that soldiers who were rated highly in one aspect, such as appearance or intellect, were also rated highly in other unrelated areas.
The Halo Effect can have a significant impact on decision-making, as people often rely on initial impressions instead of taking the time to gather more information.
Relationship between performance and personality
Research has indicated that there is a relationship between performance and personality. Certain personality traits, such as diligence, openness to experience, and emotional stability, have been shown to correlate positively with job performance.
However, personality is not the sole predictor of performance, as other factors such as skills, experience, and situational context also play a role.
The "Halo Effect," a cognitive bias in which the overall impression of a person influences how specific traits are perceived, can also impact perceptions of performance based on personality.
My Experience: Halo Effect in a Big Tech
Back when I was an intern working for a Big Tech in S?o Paulo, we were developing a new compliance pipeline that would affect many areas. During this process we were educating the areas involved on what was about to change.
However, a particular challenge emerged when the marketing department expressed disagreements with our proposed plan. These disagreements prompted a meeting, and my boss and I were tasked with representing our team.
We approached this meeting with a certain level of skepticism, determined not to yield to the marketing area's appeals. But as we entered the meeting room, I was immediately struck by the demeanor of the marketing team.
They greeted us with warm and welcoming smiles, exuding a kind and approachable vibe. What was particularly striking was their physical appearance and attire. They looked impeccably beautiful, dressed in a manner that projected confidence and professionalism.
This unexpected turn of events had a profound impact on the dynamics of the meeting. Not only did the marketing team's inviting demeanor break down our initial resistance, but their presence also triggered the Halo Effect.
As a result, my boss's mindset began to shift, and she became more open to collaborating with the marketing area, considering their appeals and requests with greater receptivity.
This experience served as a powerful reminder of how the Halo Effect can significantly influence our perceptions and decisions in the professional world. It underscores the importance of recognizing the biases that can impact our judgments and decision-making processes, ultimately emphasizing the value of objective and evidence-based evaluations in business interactions.
Self Assurance as Erotic Capital
Catherine Hakim's groundbreaking book, "Erotic Capital: The Power of Attraction in the Boardroom and the Bedroom," published in 2011, introduces a thought-provoking concept that resonates with the "halo effect." Hakim's work challenges traditional notions of human capital by shedding light on a unique form of capital: erotic capital.
This intriguing perspective offers an alternative viewpoint on how attractiveness, charm, and sexual appeal can influence various aspects of life, including personal and professional success.
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Understanding Erotic Capital
Erotic capital is a blend of physical attractiveness, social skills, charm, and sexual appeal. Hakim contends that this amalgamation of qualities can wield a significant impact on an individual's life prospects. It's a concept that echoes the halo effect, where our initial perceptions of someone's positive traits lead us to assume they possess other positive qualities.
Intersecting Beauty and Success
At the core of Hakim's ideas is the notion that society often underestimates the power of physical attractiveness. The halo effect is evident here, as the positive impression created by someone's good looks can open doors, create opportunities, and influence the way others perceive and treat them. This isn't confined to personal relationships but extends its reach into the professional sphere as well.
Implications for the Workplace
The workplace, in particular, is a setting where the halo effect and erotic capital find a compelling intersection. Studies have consistently demonstrated that individuals perceived as more attractive tend to secure employment more easily, receive higher salaries, and attain promotions. While physical attractiveness is a part of this phenomenon, it's also about charm, charisma, and the ability to make positive, lasting impressions.
Tik Tok Commentary
In a viral TikTok video, the lifestyle influencer Carolyn Silva talks about how Self Assurance can influence one's environment around in a silent way (silent flexes as she calls). Her video has gone viral and would like to share a transcript here:
I stand 10 toes in my sh*t. When you sit back and observe, are you anxious? Are you radiating this energy of "how do I measure up?" No I just exist and that's good enough.
Very few people have this energy. Very few. And then when they open their mouth to speak everything is Did-I-Stutter Energy.
Is being that sure of yourself, like I will back myself. Like you could tell when someone rocks with themselves heavy.
There is no mistaking it. There is no performance that can act like it. There is no replacement for it. There is not an ounce of them that needs your approval. There is no comparison.
This kind of person isn't name dropping or trying to impress you. Like when you say you went to a club, this kind of person isn't saying "Well, when I went there I was at the best table in the house". That kind of person finds the need to say "every room that I'm in is the best room and every seat that I sit in is the best seat". Anything that makes a big deal of itself is begging for approval.
It is an air that just demands respect and everywhere you go people notice it. It's this air of "you're not gonna make me question myself, you are not capable of that".
At the end of the day this is something that money cannot buy you and only character affords you. And even if you don't wind up liking this person, you gotta give it to them. They can handle themselves and stand on their own.
Carolyn Silva's message serves as a reminder of the incredible allure of those who stand firmly in their own skin. Such individuals project an aura of confidence that often elicits the respect and admiration of those around them. It's a prime example of the "Halo Effect" in action, where a single positive attribute, in this case, self-assuredness, radiates outward and enhances how others perceive the individual as a whole.
Silva's insights also align with Catherine Hakim's concept of "Erotic Capital." While she doesn't explicitly reference attractiveness or charm, her message indirectly underscores the importance of self-belief and the powerful impact it can have on personal and professional success. Those who are unwaveringly sure of themselves often possess a form of charisma and self-assuredness that can open doors and create opportunities, much like the attributes associated with erotic capital.
In a world filled with self-doubt and comparisons, individuals who, as Silva says, "stand ten toes in their own sh*t" remind us of the value of unapologetically being ourselves. They embrace the power of self-belief, exude an aura of authenticity, and challenge the need for external approval. While not everyone may instantly like or agree with such individuals, they demand respect, for they can handle themselves and stand on their own, a quality that goes beyond what money can buy and is deeply rooted in character.
Sources:
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1 年Lots of reflection here!