Thoughts On: First Impressions

Last night I watched the premiere of a new television show -- "The Taste."  The premise of this show is  a venue where "home cooks" or "restaurant chefs" have one hour to prepare their favorite recipe for a panel of four judges.  When the clock has run out, the food item is not plated as you would think, however, it is strategically placed onto a large spoon with an artistically curved handle.  Four spoons are placed onto a serving tray, which is then delivered to the judges. In just one gulp, these critically acclaimed group of judges critique the "taste" of what they have just ingested.  Were there enough spices used?  Could the "spoon" have used more spices?  Did the chef keep the judges guessing or did he/she play it safe with their one selection?  The judges then reveal the chef who explains what their spoon's ingredients were comprised of.  It's at this point that the panel votes with a "yes" or "no" to keep that individual on their team. 

Well you have the idea, right?  As I watched the entire two-hour show last night, I was sympathetic at times toward a couple of the contestants.  Wow!  Imagine fighting your way to get onto this program to begin with and then have four strangers "judge" your food item with just one taste!

Aren't First Impressions alot like that?  You meet someone (either in business or personally) and you have such a short amount of time to make a good (no, great!) first impression. 

I met a keynote speaker several years ago at a Conference in Fort Lauderdale.  I was so moved by his positive message that I did what I could to quickly move toward the stage to meet him.  As I shook his hand, I smiled and told him how much I enjoyed his speech.  He said, "Glad you enjoyed my talk this afternoon.  Now, may I compliment you?  Your smile leaves an excellent first impression; never forget that."  I've always remembered those kind words -- especially when I'm meeting someone for the first time.

My father spent his entire professional life in education and would often say, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." 

Ciao ~

Donna's Quest 101