The halo effect is a cognitive bias that leads us to generalize and stereotype a person’s characteristics based on limited information. When we see certain favorable qualities in a person we assume the existence of other favorable qualities, even though there may be no basis for doing so. If someone is talented in one area, we also assume she is performs well in other areas. Usually, we have no idea we are falling prey to this bias.
Physical attractiveness is one of the strongest qualities when it comes to creating a halo. For example, studies have shown that teachers often assume that more attractive students are also more intelligent, and unwittingly give them better grades as a result. As a group, taller men earn more than their vertically challenged colleagues. This is the halo effect at work. We are all guilty of such distortions. We may sincerely believe that we should judge people on their merits and not make snap judgments based largely on superficial qualities, but we just can’t help it. The halo effect may not be fair, but it happens all the time.
How can you make the halo effect work to your advantage? By using it as the tool that it is – a lever. By increasing the number of favorable qualities you project, you can leverage the strength of the impression that others will form. If you project one or two key positive qualities, the halo effect will cause others to assume one or two or ten more! You may not even possess these additional qualities, but others will ‘see’ them in you.
Be aware that there is also a reverse halo effect, sometimes called the “horns” effect. If you project one or two negative qualities, people around you may assume you have many other flaws and write you off from the start. For example, if you are a sloppy dresser, people may conclude that you are disorganized, lazy, unambitious, untrustworthy, and so on. You may not actually possess these qualities, but others will be convinced that you do.
What are the qualities you want to project? Most of the people I work with want to convey the impression of expertise, competence, confidence, professionalism, and authority. You may have other qualities in mind. Make sure everything about you supports these qualities so you can fully leverage the power of the halo effect. Look, act, and sound like the kind of person you want others to see you as.
It doesn’t have to take much money or effort to manage your image. Perhaps this holiday season is a good time to rethink your wardrobe! What are your clothes saying about you? What do you want them to say? What about your hairstyle, eyeglasses, voice, accessories? There is still time to revise your wish list.
And as you make your New Year’s resolutions, you will probably consider working on your diet, health, and fitness. This is the best time of year to plan for an image makeover. As they say, “A new year, a new you.”