The 50th Law (with 50 Cent)

The Art of Impression Management
In general the word role-playing has negative connotations. We
contrast it with authenticity. A person who is truly authentic doesn’t
need to play a role in life, we think, but can simply be him- or herself.
This concept has value in friendships and in our intimate relationships,
where, hopefully, we can drop the masks we wear and feel comfortable
in displaying our unique qualities. But in our professional life it is
much more complicated. When it comes to a specific job or role to play
in society, we have expectations about what is professional. We would
be made to feel uncomfortable if our airplane pilot suddenly started to
act like a car salesman, or a mechanic like a therapist, or a professor
like a rock musician. If such people acted completely like themselves,
dropping their masks and refusing to play their roles, we would
question their competence.
A politician or public figure whom we see as more authentic than
others is generally better at projecting such a quality. They know that
appearing humble, or discussing their private life, or telling an
anecdote that reveals some vulnerability will have the “authentic”

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effect. We are not seeing them as they are in the privacy of their home.
Life in the public sphere means wearing a mask, and sometimes some
people wear the mask of “authenticity.” Even the hipster or the rebel is
playing a role, with prescribed poses and tattoos. They do not have the
freedom to suddenly wear a business suit, because others in their circle
would begin to question their sincerity, which depends on displaying
the right appearance. People have more freedom to bring more of their
personal qualities into the role they play once they have established
themselves and their competence is no longer in question. But this is
always within limits.
Consciously or unconsciously most of us adhere to what is expected
of our role because we realize our social success depends on this. Some
may refuse to play this game, but in the end they are marginalized and
forced to play the outsider role, with limited options and decreasing
freedom as they get older. In general, it is best to simply accept this
dynamic and derive some pleasure from it. You are not only aware of
the proper appearances you must present but know how to shape them
for maximum effect. You can then transform yourself into a superior
actor on the stage of life and enjoy your moment in the limelight.
The following are some basics in the art of impression management.