Impression Management
Impression Management
Impression management refers to our conscious or unconscious attempts to control how others perceive us. It's about shaping the image we project to influence how people think about us. It’s a fundamental part of social interaction; we’re always giving off impressions, but impression management is when we actively try to manage those impressions. It doesn't necessarily mean being dishonest, though it can involve strategic presentation of self.
Example
Freddie is interviewing for a job. He’s nervous, but he consciously sits up straight, makes eye contact, and speaks clearly and enthusiastically, even if he doesn’t feel that energetic at the moment. He also highlights experiences on his resume that directly relate to the job requirements and downplays less relevant ones. He's not lying about his experience, but he is strategically presenting himself as the ideal candidate.
Why it Matters
Impression management plays an important role in navigating social life and achieving goals. It impacts everything from landing a job (as shown in the example) to building relationships, gaining influence, and even avoiding conflict. Successfully managing impressions can open doors and create opportunities. Conversely, failing to do so, or being perceived as inauthentic, can hinder progress. Understanding impression management helps us to both understand why people behave the way they do, and to be more mindful of the images we are projecting to others. It's a key concept in understanding social psychology and the dynamics of human interaction.