The impact of first impressions in the professional sphere is profound and enduring, often influencing career trajectories in unforeseen ways. In today’s digital age, initial encounters frequently occur through virtual mediums such as email introductions, text messages, or teleconferences via platforms like Zoom. Andrew Brodsky, an assistant management professor at Texas McCombs, in collaboration with Hayley Blunden from American University, has recently conducted an extensive review of 124 studies exploring virtual impressions and the mechanisms behind their formation. This analysis emerges a trove of evidence-based recommendations on how individuals can present their best selves in the digital realm.

Brodsky’s research interests extend beyond virtual impressions, encompassing a broader examination of individual use of technology in work settings and communication dynamics. His focus on virtual communication in the workplace underscores the growing significance of digital interactions in professional contexts. In an edited interview, Brodsky delves into the importance of virtual impressions, shedding light on their implications for employers and employees.

First impressions wield considerable influence in the workplace, shaping perceptions of individuals in myriad ways. Brodsky elucidates how these initial impressions often linger in the psyche, tinting subsequent interactions with a halo of preconceived notions. Whether assessing someone’s intelligence, work ethic, likability, or leadership potential, these impressions serve as foundational building blocks for future interactions. In the business arena, where relationships can pivot on a single encounter, such impressions carry heightened significance. Job interviews, client interactions, and email communications are crucibles where first impressions are forged, exerting a palpable influence on subsequent outcomes.

Understanding the nuances of virtual impressions can foster more objective evaluations of employees for employers. Brodsky highlights the tendency for subjective biases to infiltrate performance appraisals, where personal affinities often colour assessments of professional competence. By unpacking the mechanisms underpinning impression formation, researchers offer valuable insights for employers seeking to mitigate bias in their evaluations. Moreover, for organisations that nurture employee growth, Brodsky’s research furnishes a roadmap for equipping staff with the tools to craft impactful impressions in their interactions with customers and colleagues.

Employees, too, stand to benefit from insights gleaned from research on virtual impressions. In an era of remote work and digital communication, the impression one projects online assumes heightened significance. Whether through email correspondence, virtual meetings, or instant messaging, individuals’ digital footprint shapes perceptions of their professionalism and competence. Brodsky underscores the universality of virtual communication in the contemporary workplace, emphasising its relevance across diverse industry sectors. Even frontline workers, traditionally associated with non-digital roles, navigate virtual channels for routine communication tasks, underscoring the ubiquity of digital interactions in modern work settings.

An intriguing aspect of Brodsky’s research is the use of emoticons and emojis in workplace communication. While these visual cues can imbue interactions with warmth and amiability, their indiscriminate use may inadvertently undercut perceptions of intelligence and competence. Brodsky’s findings underscore the nuanced interplay between emotive expression and professional credibility in virtual exchanges, prompting individuals to tread carefully in visual embellishments.

Another facet of virtual communication scrutinised in Brodsky’s research is the timing of email responses. The swiftness or tardiness with which individuals reply to emails can significantly influence perceptions of trustworthiness and competence. While prompt responses engender trust and convey a sense of reliability, undue delays can erode confidence and foster apprehension. Brodsky’s review advocates for a balanced approach to email responsiveness, cautioning against both hasty replies and protracted delays. Striking a reasonable balance is critical to cultivating a positive impression in virtual interactions.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, which posits virtual interactions as inherently deficient in social cues, Brodsky’s research paints a more nuanced picture. Despite the absence of face-to-face interaction, virtual encounters can engender strong impressions, mirroring the depth and nuance of in-person exchanges. This revelation challenges notions that remote work inherently undermines social cohesion and interpersonal rapport. Instead, Brodsky’s findings underscore the adaptability of virtual interactions, which, when navigated adeptly, can foster robust relationships grounded in trust, competence, and mutual respect.

Brodsky’s research is a theoretical exploration and a practical guide to the transformative potential of virtual impressions in the professional sphere. By unpacking the dynamics of virtual communication and its impact on impression formation, his work equips individuals and organisations with the practical insights needed to navigate the digital landscape with confidence and finesse. Whether seeking to forge meaningful connections with clients, colleagues, or superiors, the principles elucidated in Brodsky’s research serve as a beacon, guiding individuals towards a more nuanced understanding of virtual interactions and their enduring implications for professional success.

More information: Hayley Blunden et al, A Review of Virtual Impression Management Behaviors and Outcomes, Journal of Management. DOI: 10.1177/01492063231225160

Journal information: Journal of Management Provided by The University of Texas at Austin