I am a Business Coach to a team of marketing students in their senior year at one of our State Universities. The students are working on several projects contracted by various private enterprises. While preparing the students for a first meeting with their respective clients the issue of appropriate dress came into play.
I was quite surprised when there rose a general uproar in the classroom at the mention of coats and ties for the men and the women should “dress like ladies”. Even after discussions centered a round first impressions...
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression" Will Rogers
and, showing respect for the client/professionalism/competent image and a whole host of other reasons why the students needed to depart from their flip flop and holey jeans look when visiting the offices of the organizations that had hired them; there was still a lack of understanding why? They were saying; “What does how I look like have to do with the job I am about to perform? In other words; Isn’t it about the content?” This statement is coming from a generation that has been raised to embrace diversity and individual uniqueness, both admirable traits. And they are right about the fact the “content is king”.
So here is the question. Is it the old school approach of “Dress for Success” and “When in Rome do as the Romans do?” Or, is it as the students believe; “It does not matter what I wear, what is important is if I deliver the goods or not?”
Let’s hear from you on this issue. Which approach do you use in your business?
BTW: For you old schoolers:
“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” Mark Twain
Why do your looks or your clothes dictate how effective you are? The results you achieve should be how you are branded.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from but...if you don't get the job because of how you are dressed you will never get a chance to show how good you are. And, if you are only hired by those that can relate to your dress you are going to miss out on a whole lot of projects.
I will wear panty hose when the men wear panty hose. Yes, I am a woman, in my college intern now. Daily I wear a dark pant suit,(key word pant) usually black or grey with black polished shoes. Silk boxers too but no one sees those anyway. I am a woman with no desire for man hood. I am not a girl or lady or a guy as commonly referred to. I am a woman. When you, the man wears pantyhose- oh & the high heeled shoes, then I will too. Posted by Sam' Birran of Shoreline Community College.
ReplyDeleteGive respect to the person you are meeting/working with .... usually if you dress lazy it is a good indicator that your output is lazy
ReplyDeleteOK...I get it Sam. Point well made. You rightfully do not want to be labeled. I appologize for the sexism in my original question.
ReplyDeleteWhat I was trying to say is how you dress matters. It seems to matter to you and I think it matters to even those who chaff at being asked to conform is some small way.
It is my belief that not only do people treat you differently based on your attire but individuals tend to act differently when they dress differently.
Would you agree to that?
Dont get your silk boxers in a bunch. Just dress appropriately for the position that you either want or have. One of the best things about being a woman is that we can put on a dress or pant suit and still be professional.Personally I have found that its ok to dress "like a lady" and still be considered intelligent and professional.
ReplyDeletePant suit? Sounds like you're wearing trousers. And, does anyone wear panty hose anymore? Please people, why is everyone trying real hard to be offended. Wow, let's get beyond political correctness, and nailing people for what you know they don't mean, and what they are not really saying! I think we can all predict that Sam will hit the glass ceiling hard in her up-and-coming career, because she's going to wear her party's neru jacket! Let's break-it-down; try dressing like a professional, smart woman with style. And, stop intentionally missing the message.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous #1 (Silk boxers in a bunch)
ReplyDeleteLove your comment....sort of a "Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee" approach. Nicely said.
Anonymous #2 (Pant suit)
ReplyDeleteI don't think Sam is wearing her "party's neru jacket" as you stated. I think Sam's point is she does not want to be considered as being in any party.
What do you say Sam? Care to reply to Anonymous #1 and #2?
Just look at Cary Grant or Grace Kelly. I don't think this is an either/or issue. You have to look the part and have the confidence to back it up. Sure Mr. Grant could be debonaire in a white t-shirt and jeans, but you would never catch him wearing those in a professional setting. Be smart and realize it's all a game of social engineering. Don't bring a knife to a gunfight....i mean don't wear your PJ's to a board meeting and you'll do just fine. -S
ReplyDelete