Poo Poo

1. Mike McWhorter

Concept Exercise #1

1. What is impression management and why is it a useful communication strategy for managers?

Impression management is a tool used to influence other people's perception of people, places, and

ideas by regulating and controlling information in social interactions. For a manager, this can be useful

by carefully manipulating your employees to be more receptive to you and your management style.

By influencing them to go along with what you want best for the business, you can have them be

more productive to the company.

2. What ​

assertive​

impression skills are ​ost​ ​ ​

m and least appealing to you? Why?

The most appealing to me is self promotion. Appearing competent has always been the first step to

competence for me. “Fake it until you make it” has always been a cliche’ that has been very real. That

isn’t to say that I have always made a habit of not actually knowing what I’m doing, but it is the first

step on the stairway to actually getting things done and appearing trustworthy. My least favorite is

ingratiation. I don’t enjoy flattering other people or doing them favors unless it is necessary. Also, this

behavior can certainly rub people the wrong way when they think you are sucking up to them.

3. What ​

defensive​

impression skills are ​ost​ ​ ​

m and least appealing to you? Why?

Taking blame for my actions is my favorite defensive impression skill. You can earn a lot of respect

from people by simply admitting when you have screwed up. It is unreasonable for a manager to

expect perfection from their employees, so making a mistake isn’t a big deal if you take responsibility

for it. On the other side, admitting you messed up but blaming others or factors is my least favorite.

The sooner you can get passed the blame game, the issue at hand can be resolved. Unless you truly

did nothing wrong, just admitting it was your fault is easier for everyone involved.

4. Which ​

nonverbal​

impression...