When it comes to making a good impression in a work setting, it does not apply to an initial contact, since both people are meeting for an express purpose. you have a 5 to 10 minute grace period before people form their impression of you. your handshake and facial expression dominate all other elements of your appearance. you have only seconds in which a person will accept or reject an employee or firm.

The idea that a good impression in a work setting does not apply to initial contact, but rather after a grace period, is somewhat misleading. First impressions are incredibly important and begin the moment you meet someone. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. The initial contact is critical. When you meet someone for the first time, even in a work setting where both parties have a clear purpose or agenda, the initial few seconds can set the tone for the rest of the interaction. Within those first few moments, non-verbal cues, such as your facial expression, posture, and eye contact, contribute significantly to the impression you make.

2. A 5 to 10 minute grace period is not guaranteed. While it's true that an initial impression can be nuanced or adjusted as the interaction progresses, you don't always have a grace period of 5 to 10 minutes. People start forming opinions and impressions immediately.

3. The handshake and facial expression are important but not dominant. A firm and confident handshake can convey confidence, and a pleasant facial expression can make you appear friendly and approachable. However, these are not the sole factors. Your attire, punctuality, body language, attentiveness, and verbal communication also play key roles in how you are perceived.

4. The duration of forming an impression varies. It is often stated that impressions are made within seconds, and while there is truth to this— research suggests that it can range from a tenth of a second to 7 seconds—it is the sum of various elements that lead to a person accepting or rejecting someone or something, like an employee or firm.

In conclusion, every element of your appearance and behavior contributes to the impression you make in a work setting, and while there are no fixed time frames, the initial contact is indeed significant.

Extra: Understanding first impressions is an essential part of professional and personal development. Humans are hardwired to make snap judgments based on evolutionary mechanisms that once helped us quickly assess situations and people for survival. In modern times, these mechanisms translate to the business and social world where first impressions can influence relationships, hiring decisions, and professional opportunities.

The 'halo effect' is a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person can be based on one trait or experience. For example, if someone has a friendly smile when you first meet, you might be more inclined to see them as trustworthy or kind. Conversely, a poor first impression could lead to a 'horn effect', where one negative attribute overshadows other positive traits.

For students, understanding the importance of first impressions and how to manage them can be crucial for things like job interviews, networking events, and even day-to-day interactions. Practicing good body language, effective communication, and demonstrating empathy and active listening can help in creating positive initial perceptions. Remember, first impressions aren't just about what you project onto others, but also about being receptive and making others feel understood and valued.