The Power of Perception: A Leadership Lesson from ROTC

In 1996, I served as the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadet Battalion Commander at West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, West Virginia. It was a time of immense growth and learning in leadership and personal development. One day, during a routine training exercise in Stansbury Hall—a building that housed our ROTC facilities and offices—I had an encounter that left a lasting impression on me.

I don’t recall the specifics of the training that day, but I vividly remember what happened as I was leaving the building. I was heading to my car when Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Poe, a respected figure, stopped me for a brief conversation. The topic? Perception.

CSM Poe shared a simple but profound insight: "Perception is reality." At the time, I wasn't sure if he was speaking about how others perceived me—good or bad—or if he was cautioning me about making assumptions based on my own perceptions of others. Either way, the message resonated deeply with me.

Understanding Perception in Leadership

Perception is a nuanced concept that blends subjective and objective elements. Subjectively, perception is shaped by personal experiences, biases, and emotions, leading individuals to interpret the situation differently. Objectively, it can be grounded in observable facts and behaviors, yet even these are filtered through an individual's unique perspective. This means that two people can observe the same event but perceive it differently based on their personal context.

In leadership, the perception others have of you often becomes their reality, regardless of your intentions. If a team member perceives you as unapproachable, that perception can influence their behavior and interactions with you, even if you consider yourself open and available. Similarly, your perceptions of others—formed from objective observations and subjective interpretations—can shape how you lead and the opportunities you provide. Understanding this duality is crucial because it highlights the importance of being mindful of how you are perceived and continuously aligning your actions with the reality you wish to project.

This reminds me of what I always thought was an easy perception vs. relation comparison when I first joined the United States Army. The uniforms we used to wear were called Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) and had the ability to be “starched and pressed” to give the appearance of a very clean uniform with great creases along the front of the pants and the creases of the sleeves. Pair that with a pair of highly shined jungle boots and you have one good looking soldier! I would use this analogy in that if you saw two soldiers walking down the sidewalk and one had this highly pressed uniform and shiny boots and the other soldier looked like they just rolled out of bed, who would you think was the better soldier or “squared away” as we would say? Consensus was the one who “looked” good was a better soldier, and that is simply not always the case.

The Leadership Lesson

The lesson CSM Poe imparted to me has shaped my approach to leadership in several key ways:

1.?Awareness of Others’ Perceptions: It’s essential to be mindful of how others perceive you. Sure, there are some who say, "I don't care what people think," and that is everyone’s prerogative. Your actions, words, and even non-verbal cues are constantly evaluated as a leader. The reality you intend to project might align differently from how it's perceived, and being aware of this gap is crucial.

2.?Managing Perceptions: While you can't control how others perceive you entirely, you can manage perceptions by being consistent, transparent, and communicative. If there's a disconnect between how you see yourself and others, addressing it directly can prevent misunderstandings. This also requires some self-reflection and self-awareness. If someone has a perception of you that you might disagree with, it could be a good idea to reflect on that and ask yourself why that is so. I think what is also important is this isn’t about trying to be something you are not, and rather be aware that what you think of yourself may not be what others perceive of you and can you adjust your behavior, if appropriate, and in line with your own values to help change that perception.

3.?Challenging Your Perceptions: Just as others’ perceptions of you matter, your perceptions of others can also influence your leadership decisions. Challenge your assumptions, seek additional information, and be open to changing your perspective based on new insights. It reminds me of something I learned in the book called “The Diversity Bonus” by Scott Page about the Iceberg Theory. We only see the very top of the iceberg and most of it is underwater. We only see a small sample of each person and the majority of what really makes up someone is only going to be revealed through communicating with that person.

4.?Perception as a Leadership Tool: Understanding that perception can shape others' reality allows you to use it as a tool in leadership. By being aware of how you are perceived, you can make adjustments that enhance your effectiveness, build trust, and create a more positive work environment.

Applying the Lesson

Reflecting on that conversation with CSM Poe, I realize that perception has been a guiding principle throughout my career. Awareness of perceptions—yours and others—is vital in the military, business, or life. It's not about being paranoid or constantly second-guessing yourself but about being thoughtful and intentional in presenting yourself and interpreting others.

Perception isn't reality, but in leadership, it's close enough to be worth paying attention to. The next time you're in a leadership position, remember that how you're perceived can influence your effectiveness as much as your actions. And sometimes, a simple conversation on the way to your car can provide a leadership lesson that lasts a lifetime.

Final Thought: The reality you intend to project might only sometimes align with how others perceive you. By being mindful of this, you can ensure your leadership is as impactful and effective as possible.