DISCOVER: Do They Actually See What You Bring?

Your Reputation Starts Now, Are You in Control?

As an emerging professional, how you are perceived at work directly impacts your career trajectory, opportunities for advancement, and workplace relationships.

Whether you are just starting in your field or transitioning into a new role, your personal brand plays a crucial role in shaping how colleagues, managers, and industry leaders view you.

The challenge? Many new professionals assume their work speaks for itself.

But the reality is that perception often outweighs performance, especially in competitive workplaces.

As Jorge Loebl, founder of Revolving Change, shared in our latest podcast, “Your actions, communication, and presence define how others see you. If you’re not actively shaping your image, others will shape it for you.”

This blog will guide emerging professionals on how to establish a strong, authentic personal brand that fosters credibility, confidence, and career growth.

Your Brand Starts Before You Speak

For emerging professionals, perception management begins the moment you step into a new workplace.

Your body language, communication style, and work ethic all contribute to how others perceive you.

Jorge emphasized in the podcast:

“I’ve seen new hires struggle because they assumed their work alone would earn them recognition. But perception isn’t just about results, it’s about how people experience you daily. If you don’t engage, communicate, or manage expectations, people will form their own conclusions about you, whether they are accurate or not.”

The Most Common Ways You Get Misread

Many young professionals find themselves facing misalignment between how they want to be seen and how they are actually perceived.

Some common perception challenges include:

1. Being seen as passive or lacking initiative — when new hires hesitate to speak up, managers may assume they are disengaged or uninterested.
2. Coming across as overly eager or aggressive — some emerging professionals overcompensate by trying to prove themselves, which can be seen as overstepping boundaries.
3. Struggling with visibility — hardworking employees who remain silent in meetings or avoid networking may be overlooked for opportunities.

Jorge explained that the key to overcoming these perception gaps is to actively shape how others see you through intentional behavior and communication.

“I coached a young professional who felt invisible at work. He assumed that doing his job well was enough. But when we gathered feedback, we realized no one actually knew what he contributed. He had to start engaging more, speaking up in meetings, and sharing insights with his team. Within months, his perception completely shifted, and he was given more responsibilities.”

Get Honest About the Image You’re Putting Out

To understand how you are perceived, ask yourself:

• How do my colleagues describe me when I am not in the room?
• Do my actions and communication align with how I want to be perceived?
• Am I getting honest feedback, or are people just polite?
  

Emerging professionals often hesitate to seek feedback, but it is essential for building a personal brand based on authenticity and strengths.

DESIGN: Build a Brand That Matches Your Ambition

Don’t Let Others Guess What You Stand For

Your personal brand is not just your skills or qualifications.

It is the combination of how you present yourself, communicate, and contribute to the workplace.

Ask yourself:

• What three words do I want people to associate with me professionally?
• Does my current workplace behavior reflect these qualities?
• Am I actively reinforcing my brand, or am I leaving it up to chance?
  

Jorge cautioned against trying to project a false image:

“I’ve worked with professionals who thought they needed to be someone else to succeed. But faking a personal brand never works long-term. The goal is to refine how you naturally present yourself so it aligns with your career aspirations.”

Build Visibility Without Bragging

1. Be Intentional in Communication
   • Speak with clarity and confidence in meetings.
   • Avoid passive language such as “I think” or “maybe” when making contributions.
   • Practice active listening and engage in discussions rather than waiting to respond.
     
2. Increase Visibility Without Being Overbearing
   • Volunteer for projects that align with your strengths and interests.
   • Share small wins with your manager to reinforce your contributions.
   • Engage with colleagues and mentors to build positive workplace relationships.
     
3. Use Feedback as a Tool for Growth
   • Ask a trusted colleague or mentor for feedback on your workplace presence.
   • Observe how successful professionals in your organization manage their perception.
   • Adjust behaviors based on constructive criticism while remaining authentic.
     

Jorge shared a real-world example:

“One professional I coached realized she was seen as disengaged because she never spoke in meetings. But she was just naturally introverted. We worked on small shifts — commenting in meetings, sending follow-up emails with insights. It didn’t take long before she was viewed as a key contributor rather than a silent observer.”

DELIVER: Consistency is the Secret to Credibility

Show Up Like It Matters — Every Day

Perception management is not about one-time efforts.

It is about long-term consistency.

Jorge explained why consistency builds credibility:

“If you want to be known as dependable, but you’re late to meetings, your actions contradict your intent. If you want to be seen as confident but hesitate to speak up, people will never perceive you that way. Your daily behaviors must align with the image you want to project.”

To strengthen your professional image:

1. Maintain consistency in communication — do not let nervousness or uncertainty dictate your tone.
2. Engage strategically — be present in discussions and make valuable contributions.
3. Own your mistakes and correct them — acknowledging missteps and improving upon them builds trust.
   

Grow Into Your Next Role Before You’re Given It

As you advance in your career, perception management will evolve.

• Handling feedback professionally: if someone misinterprets your actions, seek clarification and adjust accordingly.
• Managing online perception: ensure your social media presence aligns with your professional brand.
• Positioning yourself for promotions: develop a reputation for reliability, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
  

Jorge emphasized that self-awareness is key:

“Your career growth depends on more than just skills. It’s about how people perceive your potential. If you want more responsibility, you need to be seen as someone ready for it.”

Conclusion: If You Don’t Shape It, You’re Letting Others Decide

Emerging professionals have the unique advantage of shaping their perception early.

By taking control of your communication, visibility, and consistency, you can establish a reputation that accelerates career growth.

Jorge’s final insight:

“Your personal brand is the foundation of your career. If you’re not actively managing it, you’re letting others define your potential. Own your perception, and opportunities will follow.”

---

Start Shaping How You’re Seen Today

You’ve got the drive, but visibility matters just as much as performance.

Our Memberships gives you the tools to build a personal brand that reflects your strengths and helps others see your leadership potential clearly.