How to build the right image to climb the corporate ladder (1)
How
you package and present yourself is important, not just to clinch the deal but
also to climb up the corporate ladder.
1. WEAR IT WELL: CLOTHES
How you dress, says a lot about you; more specifically it tells people where you come from and where you want to reach. While brands don’t really matter — the quality and condition of what you wear does. Minor flaws can become major turn offs — a small tear, a loose thread, a missing button, faded colours, stains or an ill-fitting garment can break both your look and image.
On a regular day at work, wear colours like pastels, neutrals and lighter shades of grey, brown and blue. Never choose colours that are in your companies branding, logo or for that matter the walls and interiors of your office. While ‘blending in’ is normally good, you should never take it too seriously.
Dress for the season and the occasion — lighter fabrics in summer and heavier ones in winter. Formal settings call for formal clothes (and there are no exceptions to this) but you can al ways dress down on Fridays and Saturdays, only if your employer allows you to do so.
Other than pin stripes and subtle checks, refrain from wearing loud prints and very bright colours to the office. If you are a woman, floral prints are just not recommended. You will always be taken more seriously and appear career oriented in plain and neutral fabrics.
If you wear a uniform, ensure to ooking as new and well aintained as possible. The fit of your uniform matters too — the more tailor or custom made it looks (even if it’s not), the more your chances of standing out in a crowd.
If you lead a group of people, then your clothes need to reflect it. If you are an employee, dress well but never try and outsmart your boss.
2. MIX
& MATCH: ACCESSORIES
When it comes to wearing accessories, there is just one rule to follow — less is always more. Choose one prominent accessory to highlight — this could be your watch, carry bag, jewellery, tie, belt or a pair of shoes. Match your accessories — the belt, socks, shoes and carry bag should always be the same colour. This reflects that you pay attention to details.
At the office, simple, subtle, practical, durable and fuss-free accessories work better than anything else. Wear belts that fasten easily, shoes that are well polished and don’t give you shoe bites and reliable watches that don’t draw too much attention to them.
Carry bags need to be clean, roomy and light. An oversized bag will make your body frame look smaller. If your bag is over stuffed — you appear to be disorganised and if it looks old and worn out, so will you. Always carry your bag on the left shoulder or hand; this will leave your right hand free to shake hands or function without fumbling.
People who seek attention graduate towards wearing broad, loud and printed ties. Try wearing slim, plain or textured ties instead. Never undo your tie while talking to someone — this exudes excessive sexual energy.
If you are someone who wears cufflinks — keep them as small and simple as possible. Oddly enough, the size of your cufflinks indicates the amount of ego you may have.
When it comes to wearing accessories, there is just one rule to follow — less is always more. Choose one prominent accessory to highlight — this could be your watch, carry bag, jewellery, tie, belt or a pair of shoes. Match your accessories — the belt, socks, shoes and carry bag should always be the same colour. This reflects that you pay attention to details.
At the office, simple, subtle, practical, durable and fuss-free accessories work better than anything else. Wear belts that fasten easily, shoes that are well polished and don’t give you shoe bites and reliable watches that don’t draw too much attention to them.
Carry bags need to be clean, roomy and light. An oversized bag will make your body frame look smaller. If your bag is over stuffed — you appear to be disorganised and if it looks old and worn out, so will you. Always carry your bag on the left shoulder or hand; this will leave your right hand free to shake hands or function without fumbling.
People who seek attention graduate towards wearing broad, loud and printed ties. Try wearing slim, plain or textured ties instead. Never undo your tie while talking to someone — this exudes excessive sexual energy.
If you are someone who wears cufflinks — keep them as small and simple as possible. Oddly enough, the size of your cufflinks indicates the amount of ego you may have.
3. BEST
FACE FORWARD: GROOMING
It’s a fact that looking good opens both professional and personal opportunities. Having worked with and trained thousands of people from hotels, airlines, banks, news channels, IT and multinationals, I have found — the well groomed associates are put in key anchor or front office positions while those who aren’t, always find themselves working at the back end.
Men, who style their hair neatly, shave daily and
clear (not fair) skin, are always taken seriously and are normally the face of a company. If you sport a moustache — it should always be balanced on either side and never fall over the lip line. Brow and nasal hair should be trimmed or plucked as and when necessary. This will make you appear more sociable and serious.
Similarly, women who use and wear subtle makeup are always taken seriously and look more convincing as compared to those who don’t. Never wear too much makeup or very bright colours at work. The must haves to put on your face: eyeliner, lip colour and mascara. While a hint of eye shadow and blush will help add colour and brighten up the mood — too much of it sends the wrong message out. Apply your makeup subtly, neatly and use the right techniques.
Remember to smell just as good as you look. Use a mild but long lasting fragrance. A hint of perfume is always better than reeking of it. You know you have applied too much if you leave your scent behind in corridors, elevators, cabins or your colleague’s or bosses workstation.
As they can be offensive — cigarettes, mouth fresheners and certain foods (raw onion, garlic and fenugreek) should be avoided before coming to and during working hours.
MORE TO COME
It’s a fact that looking good opens both professional and personal opportunities. Having worked with and trained thousands of people from hotels, airlines, banks, news channels, IT and multinationals, I have found — the well groomed associates are put in key anchor or front office positions while those who aren’t, always find themselves working at the back end.
Men, who style their hair neatly, shave daily and
clear (not fair) skin, are always taken seriously and are normally the face of a company. If you sport a moustache — it should always be balanced on either side and never fall over the lip line. Brow and nasal hair should be trimmed or plucked as and when necessary. This will make you appear more sociable and serious.
Similarly, women who use and wear subtle makeup are always taken seriously and look more convincing as compared to those who don’t. Never wear too much makeup or very bright colours at work. The must haves to put on your face: eyeliner, lip colour and mascara. While a hint of eye shadow and blush will help add colour and brighten up the mood — too much of it sends the wrong message out. Apply your makeup subtly, neatly and use the right techniques.
Remember to smell just as good as you look. Use a mild but long lasting fragrance. A hint of perfume is always better than reeking of it. You know you have applied too much if you leave your scent behind in corridors, elevators, cabins or your colleague’s or bosses workstation.
As they can be offensive — cigarettes, mouth fresheners and certain foods (raw onion, garlic and fenugreek) should be avoided before coming to and during working hours.
MORE TO COME
Yatan
Ahluwalia ET120722
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