Popular

Lyrics from “Popular” in Wicked

“To think of
Celebrated heads of state or
Specially great communicators
Did they have brains or knowledge?
Don't make me laugh!
They were popular!
Please -It's all about popular!
It's not about aptitude
It's the way you're viewed
So it's very shrewd to be
Very very popular”

In business speak they call it managing perceptions. There’s also something to be said about managing expectations. The point being that an idea could be brilliant, but unless its perceived to be brilliant – it won’t get anywhere and the disparity between what is and what is perceived can be a vast ocean. Unfortunately, just doing a good job isn’t enough, one must manage others perceptions of the job. The other downside, is that someone who is good at managing perceptions, may actually not be so great at their job – but others may believe they are much better than they are.