A
checklist of dress and appearance image breakers
Why
be concerned about your image?
Because
you can be the greatest at what you do and still get
nowhere!
Our
image is how the world perceives us!
Is
your image successful or are you unknowingly shooting
yourself in the foot?
This
article is written more with the business image in
mind but the principles can be applied to any
endeavor.
If
you get out of bed the wrong side and do much of your
business in a dressing gown slumped over your computer
connected to the internet, who cares about what you
look like?
But
the moment you step outside to conduct business and
come face to face with real PEOPLE, you had better pay
attention to your image.
Look
at the categories below and see if any of these NO
NO's apply to you.
Some
may feel uncomfortable about some points due to their
'personal' nature.
On
the other hand, if some points do apply, why not do
something about it and feel a major improvement
in how others appraise you.
One
category has to do with attitude and behavior.
A
much longer list relates to dress and appearance.
If
our appearance makes a negative first impression, our
image can be broken within a second.
So
take a minute and check yourself against these major
image breakers:
|
ATTITUDE
AND BEHAVIOR
IMAGE BREAKERS
Thinking
"Today I just can't be bothered!"
Thinking
"I'm feeling grouchy today. Just watch
out!"
Thinking
"I'm a little late. Who cares?"
To
a colleague
"I haven't had chance to read the report
yet."
Being
ill mannered
Saying
"I'm sorry" too often
Dodging
tricky questions
Downgrading
your own performance with
"It was only an idea"
Thinking
"Who will notice anyway?"
|
|
DRESS
AND APPEARANCE
IMAGE BREAKERS
Tee
shirts with slogans
Running
or sports shoes with a suit
Pens
and pencils stuffed in the top pocket
Evening
style fabrics worn during day time
Bare
leg visible above the sock
No
bra
Laddered
tights
See-through
fabrics
Pant
line showing
Trousers
with heavy creases at the crotch
Dandruff
on the shoulders
Unpolished
shoes
Shoes
in need of new heels
Chipped
nail varnish
Overpowering
cologne or perfume
Unpleasant
body odour
Bad
breath
Unkempt
long hair
Less
than close shave
Dirty
finger nails
Unwanted
body hair
Poorly
applied make-up
Food
or lipstick on the teeth
|
There
is one simple remedy for most of the image breakers
listed under dress and appearance.
A
mirror!
Taking
a couple of minutes to check ourselves in front of a
mirror before we meet that client or enter that office
or conference room can save much embarrassment and
loss of esteem in the eyes of others.
As
regards attitude and behavior, that of course starts
from the inside.
Learn
to feel good about yourself and those around you and
many of these attitude problems disappear.
On
'off days' muster up the self-discipline necessary
to maintain that professional image!
Conclusion:
Your
image - could it be better?
Few
are likely to tell us honestly.
It
is important to take an objective view of
ourselves.
Use
the list above to work towards a professional image.
In
the business environment and in social activities it
can open doors you never imagined!
