Imagine prepping for a big interview or presentation, feeling confident and ready. But there's more to successful communication than just delivering your talking points. As Maya Angelou famously said, "People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel." This highlights the importance of perception in shaping our interactions and relationships. This truth came alive during my sessions at the Luxembourg School of Business (LSB), where, as part of my Fulbright Award, I worked with both students and executives to enhance their communication. For students, we explored how to "brand" themselves as a product, harnessing curiosity to shape how they are perceived in a competitive job market. Meanwhile, executives focused on breaking down the barriers that inhibit curiosity within their teams, aiming to improve their approach to communication. In both cases, the goal was the same: to move beyond fear, deepen empathy, and embrace a fresh approach to connection -- a Perception Mindset Shift.
In both work and personal relationships, it's easy to assume others see things the way we do. But meaningful connections happen when we're curious enough to view the world through someone else's lens. My research with Dr. Maja Zelihic on perception explores the EPIC process: Evaluating, Predicting, Interpreting, and Correlating -- all influenced by IQ, EQ (Emotional Intelligence), CQ (Cultural Quotient), and CQ (Curiosity Quotient). In Luxembourg, where respect and curiosity are embedded in daily interactions, this concept truly resonated. Approaching conversations with true curiosity makes discussions richer and more impactful.
Next time you're in a conversation, try stepping back from prepared scripts. Ask an open-ended question and listen closely to what unfolds -- you may be surprised by the insights that arise.
One of the most helpful insights I shared with students was to view themselves as a "product" in the job market. This approach, which I've taught in marketing courses for years, is designed to help students land jobs by semester's end. By tuning into their strengths through curiosity, students learned how to present their unique qualities to potential employers. Several of them shared that this shift gave them new confidence, making it easier to ask insightful questions and showcase what set them apart.
Part of being perceived well is by answering questions confidently. I shared with one introverted student a tip to buy time when faced with unexpected questions, suggesting he should say, "That's a great question; let me think about it." Later, I asked him a tough question to see if he remembered, and sure enough, he replied, "That's a great question; let me think about it." The whole class burst out laughing when he nailed it perfectly.
With the executives, our work focused on what inhibits curiosity -- especially the fear of appearing unprepared or less knowledgeable. This fear can create barriers that often prevent leaders from connecting meaningfully with their teams. Together, we explored how opening up to curiosity could transform communication and leadership styles.
If you find yourself hesitating to ask questions, try rephrasing your thoughts with a "What if?" or "What could we try differently?" These small shifts can lead to unexpected insights.
Creating a space where people feel valued doesn't diminish authority -- it builds trust. During these sessions, I saw people open up, share their stories, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. A Perception Mindset invites openness, strengthens team dynamics, and sparks new ideas.
If you're leading a discussion, try inviting others by saying, "I'd love to hear your perspective." This simple invitation can have a big impact on trust.
When people know their opinions count, engagement soars. Gallup research shows that employees who feel their voices matter are five times more likely to perform at their best. In Luxembourg, I saw firsthand how much more engaged participants became when their input was valued. Real communication is a two-way street where everyone feels encouraged to show up and be themselves.
Recognizing contributions with a quick "Great point!" or "I hadn't thought of it that way" can make people feel valued and included. But don't overdo it. I shared a story with these groups of a former colleague who told everyone "you're the best" to the point where it had no meaning.
The best communicators know that meaningful connections start with a shift in perception. Valuing others' perspectives while understanding our own "brand" in the workplace fosters connections built on empathy. My Fulbright experience at LSB taught me that real communication isn't about directing the conversation -- it's about creating space for others to help shape it. Whether you're working to enhance team dynamics or looking to make authentic connections, embracing a Perception Mindset can open doors to deeper, more rewarding interactions.