This semester in my PR class we evaluated each other for a branding activity. My professor had everyone get out a sheet of paper and fold it hotdog style…yes, we thought we were in elementary school again. Then we put our names on it, along with the words “Positive Attributes” and “Neutral Attributes.” Then he had us go around the room and evaluate our peers. We had to write a positive attribute and a neutral attribute on every paper.
I have to say that this was tough. Evaluating your peers is harsh work. Writing their positive attributes was pretty easy, but writing neutral attributes about my peers on paper, for them, and everyone else to see, felt wrong. I’m a positive person, so I don’t like to focus on the negative…or neutral in this case.
Then it came time to look at our own papers after everyone had written our attributes. That’s when it hit me.
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| In case you are wondering why the neutral attributes are spaced so far down, it is because we all tried to put our comments in random places so that no one would know who wrote what. |
This piece of paper held the truth, written by my peers, about how others perceive me. Is this how I want to be perceived? For the most part, Yes. I have to say, I am proud about several of those attributes. Having the words “Hard Worker” written so many times on my paper was a good feeling. The words “dominating,” “opinionated” and “cocky,” are not exactly good in my book.
As I pondered this piece of paper and what my peers thought of me, I realized this silly and harsh branding activity that my professor had us do, was really a wake up call. I think too often in life we get comfortable in our ways, some of which need to be corrected, and we forget about how others may perceive us. We are too busy privately talking about others and pointing out the negative things that other people do, and we forget that those same people are doing the same to us. Everyone has perceptions of everyone, and it’s so important to be aware of how you are perceived by others. Especially professionally. In my future, in my professional career, I DO want to be perceived as that “Hard Worker,” but I don’t want the “opinionated,” “dominating” and “cocky.” I’d like to replace those words with creative, intriguing, brave and strong leadership abilities.
Now you can argue, “Don’t worry about what other’s think,” or you can be ignorant and say “I don’t give a **** what others think of me,” but that won’t help you improve upon yourself. Arguments against personal criticism usually come from fear of being rejected and being alone. You may not think so, but if you truly dig deep enough, that is what it leads to. Instead of being fearful, use criticism as a gift that has been given to you to strengthen and improve yourself. Criticism is tough, it can be hard to swallow, but if you are mature, you will humble yourself enough to see your errors and correct them.
We are all human, we all have our strengths and faults. Take a look at yours and see where you can improve. How do you want others to perceive you?
Matthew 23:12
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
God Bless,
Kendra Lewis
Kendra Lewis 