Warmth & Competence

First impressions can and do play a key role in determining the trajectory of a relationship. Upon meeting a person for the first time, how strongly we feel connected or drawn to them often sets the tone for the interactions that follow. What exactly, then, are the factors on which that first impression is based? Recently, Amy Cuddy, a business professor at Harvard University, answered. that question. In a new study, she found  warmth and competence to be the vital components. These factors, she noted, speak to the level of trust and confidence one has in another. If present, then this new relationship is off to a good start.

This is interesting as it speaks to what people exude or communicate when meeting another for the first time. If Person A picks up those vibes from Person B, then that suggests Person B is giving off signals suggesting they are, in fact, trust worthy in terms of being believable and being able to get things done. For me, the question then revolves how one can communicate those kind of signals to another. Is it in the handshake? A smile? A clever opening line? The way one is standing?  For this to happen, it seems there must be an underlying level of sincerity that is part of what is being communicated at the moment of an initial meeting.

A word of caution: though first impressions are no doubt powerful, there is no guarantee they are accurate. Therefore, all of us must be sensitive to the reality that: (1) there are those who are quite proficient at faking warmth and and a level of competence; and (2) our ability to "size-up" another is far from perfect. But particularly to those who are not dishonest, this study by Professor Cuddy does contribute to highlighting factors that help get any new relationship off to a good start. Plus, on a deeper level, the study also suggests what factors play a important role in ensuring a relationship remains strong and positive.