No Fair False Advertising

Some have questioned my stance on image by reminding me that there are those (out there) who are incredibly polished on the outside but whose softer skills need polishing. No doubt we all run into people like this. They’re slick, but their dismissive and disrespectful way of treating people tarnishes their overall image.

Image is much more than the exterior. It starts there but you cannot let it stop there. If you do, you are false advertising. Your outside is saying, “I’m competent, smart, and well respected.” But if your actions do not back this up, the inconsistent aspects of your message will tarnish your reputation and people will see the exterior as window dressing or style over substance. The first thing people will say about you when your name comes up in conversation will be either nothing for fear of being the first one to go negative or it will be about how you treated them at a business function, during a business transaction or in a work situation. It won’t be about your stellar exterior and interior image. Rather than people seeking you out for business, they will seek to commiserate with others who have been on the receiving end of your insincere behavior.