Impressions count: How to use this to your advantage in your career

People are constantly observing your behavior and forming theories about your competence, character, and commitment, which are rapidly disseminated throughout your workplace. You might be the bright spark in the office but it's still very possible to come across as a bit slow on the uptake.

Here are a few tips to help keep that from happening.

Be prepared
Even though you know your subject matter it's important to prepare for when you meet with others in your organization. More importantly, try to anticipate the best way to explain to others in order to get your point clearly across. Especially when you are working with people that don't deal with this subject matter on a daily basis.

Not knowing an answer is okay
The reality is even though you've done all the preparation and you know what you need to discuss, someone may still be able to ask you a question that you actually don't know the answer to. Don't fake it because if you give a wrong answer people will very well hold you to that in the future. It's okay to admit you don't know but then make sure you find out and provide feedback at the next meeting or within a follow-up email.

Be careful to use 'definitely'
As soon as you say something "definitely" will or won't happen, events will prove you wrong. As a result, you will end up having to answer for that. It's always better to under-promise and over-deliver.

Listen to others
One of the most important aspects of meetings is not just to convey your point but to also listen to what others have to say. It's a platform to gather different opinions and to get opposing viewpoints. Therefore, it's important to listen and make sure that you are communicating clearly.

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