Perception

Principles > Perception

Principle | How it works | So What

Principle

Perception is reality. So manage perception.

How it works

The reality in which each of use lives is based on how we create meaning and hence perceive the world around us. Perception is often a long way from reality, but what changes our mind is what

Beliefs and models

What I see is based on what I believe is really there and the models of reality that I have created. Many studies have shown that our minds helpfully will ignore bizarre and unexpected things in what we see.

If you try to persuade me using things that I do not accept or understand, then I will not be persuaded, even though the evidence you offer may be overwhelming.

So What

So manage perception before reality. Work from what people believe. Stand (and walk a mile) in their shoes. Fit what you say into their mental models. Use their language.

See also

Beliefs, Schema, Meaning

Confidence tricks, Conversion techniques