A few thoughts on image

I am thankful in a way that the cooler weather is upon us.  People are now starting to resort back to “normal” business attire.  If you don’t know what I mean by that, read on.

My most hysterical encounter from this past summer when I was leading a training event at a corporate facility.  I was with a group of about a dozen mid-level employees discussing the importance the subtleties of leading. 

And then we hit the topic of appearance.

“Maybe I shouldn’t wear flip flops”. 

You could have knocked me over with a feather.  I know a lot has been written about corporate image and the importance of “looking the part” but the mere fact that someone thought wearing flip flops to the office was okay floored me (and please excuse the pun). 

I hesitated to write this blog entry because it does run the risk of being a little preachy.  Therefore, allow me to I apologize ahead of time. 

Here is the rub.  I am often left wondering what image some people are trying to convey when they leave the house in the morning on their way to work (no way am I touching the topic of teens who think a hole in their ear you can drive a bus through is a good idea).  And trust me, I do not come from a long lineage of snappy dressers.  My brother and I referred to my dad as Herb Tarlick (google WKRP in Cincinnati if you have no idea who he is; Herb Tarlick, not my dad). 

I am sure that I have committed my share of fashion faux pas’ in my lifetime.  My family pictures from the 70s and 80s will confirm this.  I also appreciate that not everyone can afford the latest styles or trends.  But good dress is not that hard.  But today, you think it was.

Here are a couple of observations / ideas.  (Given I am male, I am going to steer clear of commenting on women’s attire)

Let’s start with those flip flops.  How can anyone think that beach footwear is appropriate for the office?  No thank-you, I have no desire to see your feet.  I don’t even like seeing them at the beach…

No socks – really?  I know that was hip when Don Johnson was all the rage on Miami Vice (again google can help the less informed here). 

Cargo shorts.  If I don’t want to see your feet at work, I am pretty sure I do not want to see your hairy (or not) legs either. 

Tatoos.  I know it is all the rage now to get a “tat”.  And it likely seemed pretty safe to get it on your upper arm in the middle of January.  But in the summer months, short sleeves reveal quite a bit.  It just doesn’t speak “professional”

Piercings.  I never understood why guys wore earrings.  But if you decide to go down this route, can we please avoid the spacers (so you don’t look like an alien), huge hoops (so you don’t look like Latoya Jackson, Michael’s brother/sister), and multiple earrings going up the ear (zippers should be on clothes, not your body). 

When I think of appropriate dress, I think of the little Psychological phenomenon known as the self-fulfilling prophecy.  Simply put – if you think something will happen, it usually does.  Think “the Little Engine that Could” and you get the picture.

Keeping that in mind, I am reminded of a client of mine from back in my business school days.  He showed up to class after a few weeks wearing a pinstripe, three piece suit.  It was a killer suit, but it seemed a little much for class.  So asked him why he was wearing it.  His response? “I am going to be an investment banker someday so I want to look the part”.  And not surprisingly, he went on to become a very successful investment banker.  I doubt it had to do with the suit he wore to school every day, but it sure didn’t hurt.

So perhaps the best advice I can give with respect to dressing for success is to think about the image you want to convey.  Is it consistent with what others expect?  Does it present you as to how you want to be perceived?  Is your style in line with every day norms? 

And finally, don’t forget that motherly advice – always wear clean underwear!