Progress in just about any career requires the development of certain 'people skills'. Communication, persuasion, influence, and leadership all play a role.
In most companies and business environments, there is competition for the attention of upper management, for recognition, raises, promotions and other opportunities. Sometimes that competition among peers and co-workers is very obvious and open. Other times it is less open and a bit more subtle. Still, from time to time, you will be thrust into a situation where you have an opportunity to 'shine'. At all times, you'll have the opportunity to 'stand out'. So, how do you gain favourable attention for yourself, your abilities and your ideas?
First - the ability to communicate effectively
You will always be judged by what comes out of your mouth... your choice of words, the level and diversity of your vocabulary, and how well organised the thoughts you express are. For starters, the kind of 'street slang' and 'verbal shorthand' we commonly use with friends is not going to gain points for you in the business world. Beyond that, any number of surveys and studies have confirmed that people do judge your intelligence and ability based on the words you use. Fortunately, there are many things you can do for yourself, to strengthen your ability and confidence as a communicator. There are books you can read and audio and video tapes you can listen to and watch.
Second - your personal image
Here is the best advice you can get about dress and personal appearance as it relates to a career - look and dress one 'step' better than your current job requires. If you're a mechanic, for example, and could get away with oil-stained dirty work clothes, but you should wear clean, neatly pressed work clothes. If you can get away with a sport coat and open-collared shirt, wear a shirt and tie. Instead of doing what you can 'get away with', go just one step better, and always look your best, under whatever conditions you find yourself in. Neat groomed hair, clean nails, neat clothes, it's all important.
We had a conversation with a young woman who had applied for a job in a clothing shop and been told that she would have to dress differently and better than she had on the interview, to be able to work there. She had gone to the interview in a sport-shirt with a soccer team's name and images on it and washed out jeans with strategically placed holes. She was outraged over this. Angry. Mad. 'What right do they have to tell me how to dress?'
Well, they don't have that right - unless you want to get money from them, as a result of taking care of their customers. Then they certainly do have that right. They're not just imposing their personal ideas and preferences. They have a certain image they want their business to give. They believe their customers respond positively or negatively to different 'looks', and like it or not, they're right.
It may not be fair, but employers and customers do 'judge a book by its cover!' People make judgements about your status and importance, your seriousness about your job, even your ability based on how you dress. As a child, you may have heard the phrase: 'You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.' It turns out there is plenty of scientific evidence to support this idea! Most people form an impression of you in their subconscious minds within the first few minutes of meeting you, and they are very reluctant to change that impression later. That impression is based on what you say as well as your appearance. Try to think in terms of 'mark