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We grow up with stereotypes. If we see a guy with black rimmed glasses and a pocket protector with slide rule - we automatically think 'geek'. For all we really know, he could be serial killer who chokes his victims with math instruments.
But what we see is what we want to see. Whether we like it or not; we initially judge books by the cover.
As the old saying goes "The first impression is the only impression" - so we need to make the most of it; and especially in the workplace.
Labels are the other means by which we judge each other. Designer labels; and brands; and the models we choose.
To illustrate this, I tell the story about my dad and me in a little diner one day.
In walked a man wearing dirty ragged overalls; beat up work boots; and a worn out undershirt. He started walking right toward us. I said to my dad " I'll know what he wants; I'll give him a couple of bucks and he'll go away"; So I started to pull out money, and my dad began laughing his ass off!
I looked puzzled, I'm sure.
Dad introduced me to the man; and told him why I had money in hand.
As he joined my dad in laughing; he grabbed the money really fast and stuck it in his pocket.
I later learned he was a multi-millionaire! And one of the most powerful in the Eastern United States!
He loved to breed horses; and had been working at his stables all day.
Rich bastard never gave back the money!
How To Control Perceptions Of You
It starts before you leave the house.
You could be anyone you want to be if you set your mind to it.
Choice of haircut and shoes; and the way you tuck your shirt; are just a few of the many little things you can use to control the visual perception of you.
Help people assume whatever you want them to assume. Dress, act, and speak the part you want. Go ahead and start dressing like a regional VP even if you’re a entry level manager. Look the part.
Your Behavior And Speech
Speech
One of the keys to controlling the perception by others; is to be friendly and sociable without revealing too much information. Leave them with their imagination and the visual clues you give them.
What I mean by this is:
Speak in reduction. Don’t be elaborate. Always leave them wanting more to feed their interest. Never give your life story.
Avoid discussing religion and politics if at all possible. Find ways to tangent off and change the topic. Just don’t be obvious. These are subject matter than can evoke prejudice and hidden judgments in other people.
Avoid off-color ethnic jokes and comments. Never risk looking like a bigot. Jokes can be funny but also minefields.
Don’t tell dirty jokes. It will offend someone in the crowd eventually.
When talking to someone speak in a candid tone. This will help them feel as if you can be trusted. Let them know that you don’t like to gossip, but to share information and thought.
Never ever gossip. Gossip is mostly constructed of prejudiced opinions and slandering. It serves no purpose. Really; think about it; what is gossip? And those that like to gossip; keep on gossiping with other people; and eventually; something you said gets back to the one you said it about, and totally out of context. So don’t let yourself do it.
Your Outward Appearance
Women especially notice hands and other small details that men don’t see. Keep your nails clean; your clothes clean and pressed; and maintenance all the hair on your body.
That’s right; don’t let nose hair poke an eye out!
Don’t make your boss tell you to shave or not wear that off-the-wall tie. Never make them tell you something simple to control. You are supposed to be up keeping yourself.
Don’t wear cheap ties. I don’t care if it cost two dollars; it looks like it. You have to have ties that express who you are at work. Not Tabasco. A great tip is to visit stores like Brooks Brothers the week surrounding Fathers Day. This is when they have been known to clear inventory. Ties and shirts are fifty to seventy percent off.
Certain colored, solid silk ties are embedded in our cultural subconscious. They trigger certain subconscious response in people. Watch George Bush; they have him wearing solid silk ties that are royal blue, gold, or red. Red evokes a sense of authority. It’s used by corporate execs with black suits to look in charge. Gold and blue is associated with royalty and aristocracy. You should have one of each. It doesn’t mean you wear only these; just have them for appropriate days.
You should have three particular suits; a solid black, Medium grey, and a beige or brown. The tie with the grey should be a darker red or burgundy color. And the beige suit you want a tie with dots for weddings and such.
Learn to actually tie a tie correctly. Practice and get it right. Don’t tie the knot too tight and always untie it when you’re through wearing it. You’ll ruin the tie otherwise.
Two pairs of shoes are needed. A black and brown pair of solid color cap toe leather lace ups - like Johnson and Murphy’s. No gangster shoes, please.
Get your suits fitted properly. Actually invest into a well reputed Tailor. It’s not like you’re doing this all the time.
Wear dark colored socks with no patterns.
In Close
You can be whomever you want to be, just start dressing the part you want to play. If you want to be seen as GM or VP material; then you need to be perceived like it.
Feel Free To Comment
Now I haven't covered anything to help women. But then women don't need any help. They already think about appearances. Women have cultivated a natural sense of style and taste that men mostly lack.
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