The wizard of Uz: Day 2 - First Impressions Matter

I’m lucky enough to be engaged with a school leadership development programme, collaborating with school leaders in Uzbekistan. I thought that I would use this amazing opportunity to share my thoughts and reflections on what I feel is important in effective school leadership against a backdrop of my experiences and musings from working in one of the largest countries in central Asia. On Day 2 I’m reflecting on the implications of the subconscious judgements we all make when we meet someone for the first time.

It’s all in the first seven seconds

This morning was a flurry of initial activity, hand shaking, small talk and first impressions as I began work with my leadership colleagues in Tashkent.

As an experienced school leader and international training consultant who is well used to meeting new people in working across the world, I am well aware of the power and pitfalls of first impressions, and I try not to fall for the traps that pray on many of us if we’re not on guard.

However, the psychology of first impressions is so powerful, that, no matter how careful we are, it can colour our interactions with the colleagues, parents, and students we come into contact with each and every day.

Do, what is the psychology behind first impressions?

Research on how long it takes to make a first impression varies. Some believe it takes 30 seconds to form a first impression. Others believe it takes 2-3 seconds. There was even a study done that found it takes only a tenth of a second to form an impression of somebody. Whatever figure we choose to take, the key message is that we all make first impressions very quickly; and, of course, making first impressions is not a one-way person. The other person will be doing exactly the same thing. To give you a benchmark to go by, the decisions or judgements the other person is going to make about you will happen on average in about 7 seconds.

Consider the scenario I found myself in this morning, meeting my Uzbek colleagues for the first time:

I get out of my taxi and see somebody walking toward me across the car park. It’s a woman. I notice her clothes. She’s wearing an expensive looking suit and is impeccably groomed. She takes large strides and walks fast. I think to myself, “she must be the project co-ordinator, she’s probably quite formidable.” I can imagine her leading her team, sat behind a massive desk in a large office, driving an expensive car and appreciating the good things in life. I could have imagined all of this without that person saying a word!

That’s just one example of how we all form those first impressions in just seven seconds. So, how does this actually happen?

1. You Look at The Other Person’s Appearance.

You looked at the woman’s appearance. Her clothes looked expensive, and she was well groomed. This led you to think she was successful and wealthy.

2. You Look at Their Body Language.

You looked at her body language. She took large strides and walked fast. This led you to think she was confident, powerful, and determined to get where she wanted to go.

3. You Make Assumptions About Their Life.

You made assumptions about other areas of her life such as her job and her lifestyle. Based on her clothes and body language, you thought she must be the team leader, have an impressive office, and drive an expensive car.

4. You Form a First Impression Filter.

From the few seconds you saw this woman, you formed a first impression filter. So, if you bump into this woman again at the coffee shop across the road, everything you see or hear about her will be filtered through the first impression you just formed.

When you meet somebody for the first time, you immediately start taking in and processing information about them. You first look at what they are wearing and their appearance. Then, you look at their body language to make decisions about that person.

And even though you only have a tiny snippet of information about that person (7 seconds worth), you will assume that tiny snippet represents 100% of that person, their life, and that they are like that all the time. This information helps you create a first impression filter.

Any extra information you learn about the other person after those 7 seconds will be filtered through this first impression that you formed.

That’s why, as a school leader, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Strategies to make a good first impression

Credible, ethical school leaders do not use success, influence, or power to impress others. In fact, this is a definite way to make a negative impact on your staff, parents and students. A great school leader knows that authenticity and genuine sincerity are the key to making a fantastic first impression. In my conclusion, I would like to share some top tips to help you ensure you are emanating your true, inspiring nature.

1.?Be at ease with yourself.

If you are content within yourself and your practices, you will unaffectedly cast the same feeling to others. New leaders who are at ease with themselves and their role tend to me more approachable from the very beginning; and approachable school leaders have better engage with their school’s stakeholders.

2.?Don’t fear failure.

Taking smart risks is a significant part of leading a successful school. If you’re noticeably on edge and even subconsciously pessimistic about the strategies you share for school development or to tackle areas of concern, it will certainly show through, reducing the confidence that others have in you.

3.?Show genuine interest.

If you are new to your school leadership role, show your staff, students, and parent community right from the beginning that you care about what matters to them. Showing that you’re open-minded and willing to listen to their questions and concerns will build sustainability and loyalty across your school teams and stakeholders.

4.?Know when to lighten up.

Whether meeting parents, your student body, or your staff for the first time, it is okay to assess the situation for a moment of appropriately interjected humour. Often, a light-hearted approach at the right time, can offer a sense of equilibrium in what can be challenging situations at school, and may even make your staff team look forward to working alongside you in the future.

5.?Be an engaging greeter.

This may seem a bit simplistic, but engaging in proper eye contact, an enthusiastic handshake – where culturally appropriate, and being pleasant and attentive to the other individual is an obvious, but extremely important part of making a good first impression as a school leader. Never become complacent with the impact you have on others. Engaging others with a warm personality and the possibility for common ground will assure you present a great first impression.

6.?Motivate and inspire.

Imagine that everyone you meet should come away from the situation either knowing or understanding something they previously had not. Without condescendence, use your experience to teach, encourage, and stir enthusiasm.

So, that ends this brief reflection on the importance of understanding the power of first impressions. May you continue to focus on your assertions and minimise your assessments.

Steve Burnage is an education consultant, trainer, inspector, and author with over 35 years’ experience of school teaching and leadership. Steve specialises in supporting schools in the UK and internationally in the development of effective classroom pedagogy and impactful school leadership at all levels. You can contact Steve by emailing [email protected]