Published December 6, 2010Only the other day I was asked by a Group of consultants about my perception of a certain Vendor in the ECM space. Although I had no particularly strong feelings, I did share the perception that the story of this vendor was a little weak…
We then got into the discussion about whether perception is reality or becomes reality. The consultant pointed out that his perception was reality.
After many a joke, I decided to take this question a bit more seriously. In todays world of fast-moving information, peer voting, Facebook and Reputation management, perception is reality. We have seen it many times in the past where a brand because of the comments of a few of its users. These days a single user can very quickly and effectively reach millions within a few short hops.
And the same is also true inside a company. Not to the same degree, but with the same consequences all the same. Once we accept open communication and transparency, the way we are perceived by our colleagues becomes reality. Yes we can laugh about this, but its is true all the same.
It is something to think about next time someone asks you whether your perception is right or not… in some cases, perception is reality !
