This week I am keynoting in Anaheim, CA at ASHE and had an interesting question be asked that made me want to do some deeper research, ask a few more questions myself and ultimately see how I could do a better job with my answer for them. What is the difference between perception and impact?

For example, if we do something or say something, is there a difference in how things are perceived vs how things are impacted? Ultimately, and I was wrong at first, I do believe there is difference in the two. These concepts are really important in understanding interpersonal communication and relationships, especially in our role as leaders. So here are some thoughts on their similarities and differences:

Perception

Definition: Perception is the way something is understood or interpreted by an individual. It’s how someone sees, hears, or otherwise becomes aware of something through their senses.

Factors Influencing Perception:

• Past Experiences: Personal history can color how one perceives new information.
• Cultural Background: Cultural norms and values can shape one’s perception.
• Emotions: Current emotional state can influence how someone interprets information.
• Cognitive Biases: Preexisting beliefs and biases affect perception.

Example: If we give constructive feedback to one of our clients, their perception of our feedback can be influenced by their past experiences with criticism, their emotional state at that moment, and their trust in us as their leader.

Impact

Definition: Impact is the actual effect or outcome that an action or communication has on someone. It is the tangible or intangible result of the interaction.

Factors Influencing Impact:

• Delivery: The manner in which something is said or done (I call this tone, time and text, even body language) affects its impact.
• Context: The situational context in which the interaction occurs can influence its impact.
• Individual Differences: Personal characteristics, such as resilience or sensitivity, play a role in how an action affects someone.
• Relationships: The existing relationship between individuals can modify the impact of an action or statement.

Example: The same piece of constructive feedback might have different impacts on different clients. One client might feel motivated to improve, while another might feel discouraged or criticized.

Similarities

1. Interpersonal Dynamics: Both perception and impact are central to how individuals interact and communicate with each other.
2. Subjectivity: Both are influenced by subjective factors, such as emotions, past experiences, and personal biases.
3. Interdependence: Perception often shapes the impact. How someone perceives an action or statement influences how it impacts them.

Differences

1. Nature:
   • Perception: Internal, subjective interpretation.
   • Impact: External, actual effect or outcome.
2. Focus:
   • Perception: Focuses on the receiver’s interpretation.
   • Impact: Focuses on the outcome of the interaction.
3. Measurement:
   • Perception: Harder to measure directly, as it’s internal and personal.
   • Impact: Can be observed and measured through outcomes and changes in behavior or feelings.

Why They Matter in Leadership

Understanding the difference between perception and impact is essential for us as leaders because:

1. Communication Effectiveness: Knowing that perception can vary widely helps you tailor our communication to minimize misunderstandings and maximize positive impact.
2. Feedback Sensitivity: Awareness of the potential different impacts of our feedback can help us deliver it in ways that is constructive and supportive.
3. Building Trust: Acknowledging and addressing the differences between perception and impact can strengthen relationships by showing empathy and understanding.

By being mindful of both perception and impact, we can enhance our leadership abilities and foster more effective and meaningful interactions with our teams, families, friends and even people who disagree with us!