Impression Management

Training for Today: Rest

Devotion: Impression Management

Impression management (another fun communication concept) is the process of influencing and shaping the way others perceive us. In essence, we manipulate the verbal and nonverbal behaviors we display on the outside to create a positive image of what we’re like on the inside. As Shakespeare said, “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”


This week’s theme asks us to ponder the relational challenges that surround us during a time of grief: “My enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall” (Psalm 13:4). As part of managing these relational challenges, we manage the impression we make on those around us.

So what impression have you been creating during your time of grief? How have you been shaping the way others see you? It’s common during such a difficult stretch to want to force the smile, mask true emotions, and “keep it together” from the outside. Those are the behaviors that create the most positive impression, right?

While impression management can benefit us and help us to “save face” in many social situations, its manifestation can lack authenticity. Impression management can tempt us to build walls around us, so that no one can see or sense our pain. But, if we allow impression management to falsely guide our interactions, we are faced with a difficult question: Did God allow your suffering and guide you through your grief in the hope that you would hide or mask the result?

If you’re intent on practicing impression management, then do it for the sake of the Gospel. Here’s Paul’s example of Gospel-minded impression management from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

As an ambassador for Christ, use the person God created you to be (including what He’s done in you during your struggles) to win the souls of the people God has put in your life. So, rather than working so hard to shape the “earthly” impression others have of you, focus your efforts on shaping their impression of your awesome God! That’s an impression worth making!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I get caught up in managing my impression in the eyes of others. Instead, let them see you. Let them see the grace, mercy, and peace that you offer through the redeeming blood of Jesus! Amen.