Water Cooler

By Cathrine Hatcher
(Impression Management) I looked the word Image up in the dictionary and found a few interesting definitions. One stated that Image is the character projected to the public by a person or institute, as interpreted by the mass media. This definition has a few key words that I think are the essence of what we are talking about here:  these are character projected & interpreted by the mass media. 

Whether you realize it or not, the media influences and affects us a lot when it comes to what we think are acceptable Images and for that matter, behavior. We are being inundated daily with thousands and thousands of messages from television, radio, magazines, billboards & movies.

Do you remember the TV show "Extreme Make-over"?  The pressures to look perfect…..whatever perfect really is, can be overwhelming. Cosmetic surgeries seem to have become the answer for many as evidenced by the growth it has seen over the past few years. It is a multi-billion $ a year industry.

Today, I want to talk about some ways you can begin to improve your image that will not require you to go under the knife!  You see, your various wardrobe choices set different tones in all your encounters and can have a subtle yet deep impact. What you wear and where you wear it all affects the way you are perceived and treated. You wouldn't wear an evening gown or a tux to work or to church because it does not fit the situation or the tone.

Trust me, you will feel much more comfortable when your dressing choices are appropriate for the situation.  When interacting with others, always plan to wear something that will build rapport the other person.  By dressing respectfully, the subliminal message you send will begin to build rapport with the other person. This is especially true with people you don't very well in your business and social situations.  

To build rapport, it's important to think about how your appearance might affect the other person.  It shows respect for them….that you care how they feel.  For some people it does make a difference, so why not invest in the relationship and make the effort build rapport with others  

Look at what you are wearing right now.  What were you thinking about when you were getting dressed this morning?  What was your thought process as you selected the outfit you're wearing today?  Did you put any thought into how others might perceive you, or react to you?

I was speaking at a large corporation one day and the person who had invited me to speak asked me if I could cover the 3 B's while I was there.  I said "The 3 B's?  What's that?"  She said Boobs, Bellies and Buns!  This was during the time when it was fashionable for bellies to show out from under those cute short shirts.  Ladies were allowing their bellies to show at work and management did not like it.

So, let's talk about what you should probably reconsider when thinking about your work attire.  I guess we can start with the 1st B.

· Showing cleavage is probably not a good idea at work, unless of course, you work at Hooters.  If you have larger breasts, this can be a difficult task to accomplish, especially since so many shirts and blouses are so low cut these days.  I have my two finger rule.  You should not have more cleavage than two fingers held horizontally at the top of where cleavage begins.  If we can see soft tissue, it's too provocative for work. 

· I hope it goes without saying that we shouldn't be able to see your belly at work.  Once again it's too provocative for work.

· Low cut pants/jeans are not a good idea either. Being able to see your thong peak out of the top of your pants is too provocative for work as well.  And, wearing skin tight pants are can be a distraction to those who work around you.    

· Blouses/shirts shouldn't be overly tight fitting. Shiny fabrics and overly ornate patterns can be too distracting in the workplace.

· Dresses/skirts shouldn't be overly tight fitting or too short. They leave little to the imagination to say the least, especially if they are both tight fitting and short!  If they have slits, consider how high up your leg the slit is extended.

Consider this thought, you never know who you'll run into as you are out in the world who could advance your career or enhance your social situations.  Dress in a way that will build rapport with the others.  Under-dressing can send the signal that you don't care, which of course is probably not what you mean to convey.  The way you dress can be a valuable business tool if you will carefully calculate what works for you and your industry or the industry you are calling on.

In life you are always selling.  In business, you are the product and salesperson!  What I want you to do is to start thinking about how you fit into your industry. Remember that presentation creates perceptions & perceptions count. If you're wondering what you should wear to work, here are some of the most basic tips:

· Wear comfortable professional looking clothing, even in a business casual environment.  Business casual does not equal weekend casual or weekend party clothing.

· Blouses/shirts should have conservative necklines and shouldn't be too tight fitting. Wear classic styles that will stand the test of time.

· Dresses/skirts should flatter your figure. Consider how short they are; generally just above the knee or longer is appropriate for most businesses.  Remember that when you sit down, if the skirt is at the knee or shorter, it will rise up at lease two additional inches when you are seated.

· Keep jewelry simple.  Jewelry that jingles can be very distracting in the workplace.

· Fragrance should be used with caution especially in close working proximities, like in cubicle work spaces. Your husband/boyfriend may love it, but it could give your cube mate a headache. Each time you wear a fragrance, you walk a fine line between overdoing it and under-doing it.  Think of it this way, if people an arm's length away can smell you, you probably have too much on.