An Object Lesson on Image

While I am a firm believer that beauty is skin deep, it is increasingly apparent in our world fixated on perfection and status as key weights to your value as a human being, we must be aware of the first impression we give. That is why image is important. People do judge you and your competence based upon your appearance.

Recently a client was not getting the respect from her male colleagues, her boss or her direct reports. While we dealt with some communication and boundary issues she had at work, we also talked about her image. She regularly dressed in loose fitting cardigans, slacks, and well worn shoes yet she was a senior level manager. She gave little attention to her appearance. Meanwhile her male counterparts were wearing suits and ties. Who was dressing the part? Who was getting more respect? Though she was well qualified, she had been looked over for a promotion.

As an experiment she began wearing more suits and well constructed clothes. She was projecting the image of a senior level manager who deserved respect. She backed it with more direct communication and made sure she watched the boundaries between manager and friend. She did receive more respect and is now being considered for the CFO position in her company.

Tell me about your image and what you’ve done to enhance it. What have you noticed gets you more respect from your colleagues?