7 Impression Management Examples to Win Hearts (+When Can It Go Wrong?)

7 Impression Management Examples to Win Hearts (+When Can It Go Wrong?)

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
William Shakespeare

Have you ever wondered about the incredible power of human interactions? You know, those moments when some people effortlessly make a lasting impact while others find it hard to connect?

Well, get ready for an exciting journey as we explore this fascinating influence!

Whether you want to shine in social gatherings, present yourself at work, or leave a positive mark on people’s minds, we’ve got you covered.

We’re about to explore the art of self-presentation and share impression management examples. Get ready to learn the skill of opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships.

What Is Impression Management?

Impression management means making an effort to control what others think of us. It involves carefully choosing how we behave, what we say, and even the things we use to create the impression we want.

It’s a bit like being an actor on a stage. We want the audience (or people we meet) to like us, admire us, or see us in a particular light. So, we might highlight our strengths and downplay our weaknesses. All in all, we try to come across as friendly, competent, or trustworthy.

Think of job interviews, first dates, or social gatherings. We use impression management in all these various situations and beyond. Why? Because it’s natural to want others to see us in the best possible way.

Behind the Scenes: Understanding the Origins of Impression Management

The concept of “impression management” was introduced by sociologist Erving Goffman. He used it in his famous book, “The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life,” published in 1956. Goffman was curious about how people behave in social situations and how they try to present themselves to others.

Goffman identified two main aspects of impression management. The “front stage” is where we show our desired image to others, much like being on stage and playing our roles in social situations. On the other hand, the “backstage” is where we can be more relaxed and be ourselves without worrying about managing impressions.

Impression Management Styles (IMS): Strategies You Can Choose

People have different styles of managing the impressions they leave on others. They might use one or more styles depending on the situation and their goals in an interaction.

Before we share impression management examples, let’s get acquainted with the five dimensions of IM:

1. Self-Promotion: You proudly talk about your skills, experience, and achievements. This way, you show others your worth and value in the organization.
2. Ingratiation: Next is the tactic of being kind and friendly to your colleagues to make them like you. You compliment them, show interest in their lives, and do favors to build positive relationships.
3. Exemplification: Exemplification is about working hard and showing dedication to your job. You stay late, arrive early, and even come to the office on weekends to show your commitment.
4. Intimidation: What if people try to push you too far? You use force or aggression to get things done or to make people behave the way you want. So it’s about being tough and assertive when needed.
5. Supplication: Supplication is a way to get help when needed. For example, you appear needy or less capable of getting support or gain sympathy from others.

See It in Action: Impression Management Examples Across Different Settings

From social gatherings to boardrooms, here’s how impression management examples play out in myriad contexts.

The Humble Leader

Example: Michael is the CEO of a successful company and often speaks at conferences and events. Despite his achievements, he chooses to downplay his accomplishments and focuses on sharing credit with his team. During his speeches, he uses stories to connect with the audience and appears approachable and humble.

Explanation: While speaking in public, Michael’s impression management style revolves around showing humility. By emphasizing the team’s contributions, he aims to create a positive impression as a leader who values the efforts of others. This helps him connect better with the audience and allows his team members to bring their best to the table.

Obviously, Michael knows about the significance of recognition from leaders. In fact, research shows that for employees, the most memorable praise comes from their direct boss (28%). Then, from a top leader or the CEO (24%).

The Interview Prodigy: Confidence in the Workplace

Example: Before entering the interview room, John takes a deep breath. He reminds himself of his unique skills and qualifications. As he enters the room, he greets the interviewers with a warm smile and firm handshake. Throughout the interview, he speaks confidently, sharing examples of his past experiences. Also, John asks questions about the company, demonstrating his interest in the organization. He is self-assured and prepared, which helps to impress the interviewers.

Explanation: In this example, John’s impression management shines as he displays his confidence. By presenting himself confidently, he creates the image of a competent candidate. John’s ability to articulate his qualifications shows his seriousness about the role. His strategic use of impression management increases his chances of landing the job.

The Supportive Team Player: Conflict Resolution at Work

Example: Moving on to examples of impression management in the workplace, let’s explore Emily’s case. She is an exceptional team player skilled at resolving conflicts with finesse. In her team, disagreements pop up often, but Emily’s approach is special. Instead of adding to the chaos, she chooses to be a caring and attentive listener.

When her colleagues express concerns, Emily understands their feelings and offers timely support. Her supportive and conflict-resolving style brings harmony to the workplace.

Explanation: Emily manages impressions by promoting collaboration and understanding. She wants to be seen as a valuable team player who handles tough situations with grace and maturity. Her goal is to engage employees and create a friendly atmosphere within her team. Through her actions, Emily proves that empathy and constructive problem-solving are powerful tools. They, without a doubt, help to build strong and productive relationships with colleagues.

Seeking Guidance in a New Role

Now, let’s explore impression management examples that are linked to supplication.

Example: Lisa has recently joined a new team at her workplace. Instead of pretending to know everything, she openly admits that she is still learning. Consequently, she needs guidance from her more experienced colleagues. She asks questions, seeks advice, and shows appreciation for the help she receives. Lisa’s humble approach and willingness to learn create a positive impression among her teammates. As a result, it creates a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Explanation: In this example, Lisa’s impression management style involves using supplication. By admitting her learning curve and showing vulnerability, she builds trust and rapport with her team. Her sincere approach not only helps her in her new role but also cultivates positive relationships with her colleagues.

Empathy in Customer Service

By the way, you can find interesting impression management examples in the world of customer service, too.

Example: Jessica works as a customer service representative for an online retail company. When a customer contacts her with a complaint about a delayed delivery, Jessica empathizes with the frustration. She sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused and acknowledges the customer’s feelings. Jessica assures the customer that she’ll personally look into the issue and do everything possible to resolve it promptly.

Explanation: Have you met those customer service folks who choose to be defensive or dismissive of your complaint? Jessica’s impression management style is the exact opposite. She takes a humble approach by acknowledging the problem and apologizing for the inconvenience. In fact, Jessica’s willingness to assist the customer demonstrates her dedication. That’s how she is able to provide excellent customer service and leave a positive impression on the customer.

Going the Extra Mile

Example: Looking for the most dedicated team member? Sarah provides great impression management examples at work. She consistently stays late at work to finish projects and often comes in on weekends to help her team. She aims to set an example of hard work to motivate her colleagues to put in their best efforts.

Explanation: Sarah’s impression management style is exemplification. She demonstrates her commitment to her job by going above and beyond what is expected. By showing her dedication and work ethic, she hopes to inspire her colleagues to do the same. What’s more, Sarah believes that leading by example is a powerful way to build a culture of excellence.

Firmness in Conflict Resolution

Unfortunately, conflicts are inevitable. But the best leaders give examples of impression management we can learn from.

Example: Meet James, who is a team leader in a fast-paced environment. When conflicts arise among team members, he addresses them with firmness. James makes it clear that he expects everyone to follow the team’s rules and work together to achieve common goals. He lets his team know that not adhering to these standards may have consequences.

Explanation: This is a vivid example of using intimidation when dealing with internal conflicts. While James doesn’t use aggression or fear, he uses an assertive approach to resolve issues promptly. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, he aims to ensure that his team remains focused. Besides, James thinks that using authority in a controlled way can make the work environment more productive.

Mismanaging Impressions

To mismanage an impression means unintentionally giving others a negative view of ourselves. It happens when our behavior or what we say doesn’t match the image we wanted to show.

There can be various reasons for mismanaging an impression. For example, we may feel nervous or unprepared for a situation. Actually, it’s quite easy to mismanage an impression, especially when we feel pressured or overwhelmed.

Navigating Impressions Wisely: What to Watch Out for

All too often, you come across impression management examples when a person’s efforts backfire. Yes, you try to present your best self, but it simply goes wrong.

To avoid such a scenario, here are some things to be careful about:

Being Overly Self-Promotional

While it’s okay to showcase your strengths, avoid bragging or exaggerating your abilities. Be genuine and humble in your self-presentation.

Pretending to Be Someone You’re Not

Impression management isn’t about pretending to be someone you’re not. Stay true to your values, personality, and beliefs. No wonder authenticity is key to building genuine and lasting relationships.

Ignoring Others’ Perspectives

Next, remember that impression management is a two-way street. Pay attention to the impressions others are trying to create and be respectful of their efforts as well.

Losing Empathy

More importantly, don’t focus solely on how others perceive you. Be empathetic and considerate of others’ feelings, opinions, and needs. Building a positive impression also involves being a good listener and showing genuine interest in others.

Becoming Manipulative

Be careful. Impression management shouldn’t involve manipulating or deceiving others. Building trust and respect is essential, and that can only be achieved through honesty and sincerity.

Neglecting Improvement

While highlighting your strengths is important, acknowledge areas where you can improve. Show a willingness to learn and grow, and be open to constructive feedback.

Consistency Matters

Be mindful of the impressions you create consistently over time. Sudden changes in behavior or presentation can lead to confusion or mistrust among your peers. If needed, you can role-play impression management examples in different settings to master this skill.

Avoiding Insincerity

Empty flattery or insincere compliments can be off-putting. Be genuine and specific in your praise and compliments.

Overlooking Non-Verbal Cues

Remember that impression management isn’t just about what you say. It’s also about your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Be aware of how your non-verbal cues align with your intended impression.