|
Enews
- October
2005
The
Appearance Phenomenon
In every area of professionalism, whether it is sport
or business, there is an expectation of a high standard
and consistency of that standard. In the area of image,
whether we like to admit it or not, we continually
and solely based on appearance, make value judgments
on people. Research suggests that within seven to
fifteen seconds of seeing someone for the first time,
we log our own value judgments in the personal computer
that is our brain.
In the business arena, it is not different.
Globally, personal appearance has its own world of
dynamics and attendant consequences.
Research
suggests that clichés such as “appearance is
only skin deep”, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
and “do not judge a book by it’s cover” are just that..clichés.
Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder, but there
is high agreement among beholders. We do judge the
book by its cover and appearance may be skin deep,
but it’s effects run much deeper. If the look of image
was not an important factor, companies would not spend
money of uniforms for their staff or call in image
consultants to work with their employees. Those two
alone are clear indications that it is important to
them and by extension impacts how they view advancement
decisions.
A significant amount of evidence suggests
that from birth through death, appearance has an ever-present
impact on the life of an individual.
The Wall Street Journal reported a
research project based on 2,500 lawyers, men and women,
where it was determined that those who “looked good”
earned as much as 14 percent more than their so called
“less attractive peers.
The authors, Daniel Hamermesh (University
of Texas) and Jeff Biddle (Michigan State University)
concluded that the data are “consistent with economists’
earlier research on the effect of good looks on workers
in general. However the data coming out of the research
on the 2,500 attorneys, contradicts the common wisdom
that looking good matters less for professionals.
Why then is image important to your
career? Companies spend millions of dollars on presenting
themselves, be it in the form of logo, new tag lines,
jingles and high profile spokespersons, all because
they want to send a message of who they are and why
we should buy their product or use their service.
In the same way as individuals, especially in business,
we should want to send a message of credibility, instant
influence and professionalism.
Having an image that is of a consistently
high standard projects a message of quality and self-confidence,
increases your responsiveness to your clients and
colleagues, removes the attention of yourself and
onto the needs of the ones you are serving. Finally,
yet importantly, you enhance your chances for professional
growth and promotion.
An image that is of good quality must
be consistent with:
• The corporate identity – what is the standard required
in your immediate environment
• The corporate environment – do bankers or lawyers
generally have an identifiable look
• Professional skills – when someone looks at you,
do they immediately perceive you to be a professional?
• Your vision, mission and goals in life – do you
aspire to be the next CEO in your company? If so is
my image lined up with what people perceive as the
image of a potential CEO?
• Your non-verbal and verbal communication – body
and verbal language must line up with the image presented.
Equally as important to the fact that
image creates an impact, is understanding that business
image is just that, business image. The workplace
is where one wants to be considered and recognized
for ones’ ability and not for the fashion statement.
For this reason importance is placed on differentiating
business image and attire from other modes of dress.
Things such as should I wear open toed shoes or pumps,
should I use nail art or not, are dangling earrings
appropriate, are all questions that must form part
of your business image planning process.
Change the way you view your future,
get a jumpstart on a business image that would provide
you the credibility that you deserve. Make your first
impression a lasting one!
Enews
- May
2005
In This Edition
How many times are we invited to a
functions and are in a quandary as to what is the
correct attire? This issue takes the guessing out
of dress codes.
Deciphering Dress Codes
There are three international dress
codes:
- Formal
or black tie
- Business
attire or lounge suit
- Casual
What should I wear to a Formal
or Black Tie event?
Formal is the strictest sense of
black tie.
Ladies will generally be expected to wear
a floor length gown. Strict formal attire would
warrant shoes with a closed toe front. Please apply
the strict rules when in doubt. However, sandal type
shoes may be worn if optional dress conditions permit.
Gentlemen are expected to
wear bow tie, whatever the incarnation. Tuxedo styles
have changed over the years and the discerning gentleman
may opt for a more upbeat type look. Newer versions
of the tuxedo come in colours other than black. If
in doubt, go for the traditional look. Nonetheless,
the “penguin” look should remain visible.
You may get an invitation that says
simply black tie. This gives the option of a long
or short but dressy dress.
If the invitation says black tie optional
then you can wear a short dressy dress or great evening
pants.
What is Business Attire or Lounge Suit?
Business attire would normally be used when
attending a work related function either during or
immediately after working hours. This could range
from the normal business suit to shirt and tie for
men, or business suit, dress or coordinates for the
female.
The type of occasion, the expected attendees etc.,
would dictate what should be worn.
Business suits in the daytime can be in lighter colours
such as tans, olives and forest greens, of course
with the correct tones of shirt and tie. Never be
afraid to ask your host/hostess what is appropriate.
Lounge Suit includes what
we in the Caribbean call “elegantly casual”. This
is a more dressed up version than business attire
but not as dressed as formal. It can include for men,
medium to the darker suits, sport jackets or blazers.
For the ladies, anything
from a knee length through ankle length dress, soft
pant or skirt suit supplemented with elegant accessories
will do the trick. It is for such an occasion that
the “little black dress” comes in handy!
Cocktails are the perfect time to
wear the little black dress. If your cocktails are
immediately following work then you can change shoes
and accessorize!
And the rest is Casual!
Anything not falling in the above
will be deemed as casual attire. Clothing in this
category would range from what one would wear to the
Sunday evening “lime” at the friends home, to jeans
to the short pants at the sporting event. It is essentially
anything that is not work appropriate, much less for
a formal event.
Urban Chic is the new casual
in town. This is what you can wear to a friend’s home
on Friday night. The host wants you to turn up casual
but not sloppy.
Dressy Casual means you can
gussy up! Simple clothes but dressed up. The white
linen shirt and black pants for the ladies. Guys your
blazer will up the ante on the polo shirt.
These simple guidelines can work anywhere
in the world. Dress codes have now been deciphered!
Next edition – How to Read and Invitation
|
