If executive presence is about inspiring trust and confidence in others, then appearance is about the signals you give out to your environment.
Qualitative data shows that appearance is the filter through which your expertise and communication skills are evaluated. This evaluation happens in mere 250 milliseconds. If you don’t look the part, senior executives might not even bother with your expertise and leadership capabilities.
So, what do Seniors value when it comes to appearance? Research shows following aspects to be the most important (%):
1. Being polished and groomed (women: 35 men: 38)
2. Physically attractive, fit, slim (women: 19 men: 16)
3. Appropriate, simple clothing (women: 12-men: 13)
4. Being tall (women: 6 men: 16)
5. Being youthful, vigorous (women: 6 men: 4)
Basically, appearance comes down to taking care of yourself, your health and fitness, as well as developing a sense of authentic style. And, good news is, you have control over these variables – image can be developed.
The attention to your appearance can be seen as two fold:
A You want to reduce any distractions that can minimise your performance.
B You want to increase the focus on your professionalism and competencies.
Given its crucial nature for success, how do you go about it?
Below are guidelines coming directly from individuals across industries:
Observe your environment
Pay attention to your workplace. Notice organisational culture and the leaders around you. What are the pointers to executive presence and appearance in your environment? Tailored suits and polished shoes are expected in Wall Street, and jeans with a T-shirt in Silicone Valley. What are the expectations in your organisations, and how do you fit with those?
Focus on your strengths
It was a Dutch director Paul Verhoeven who gave Sharon Stone her first, big break in Basic Instinct (1992). But, it was Ellen Mirojnick – the costume designer, who gave her style, on and off screen. Ms. Stone said that she learned from Ellen what difference well-fitted clothes can make. That sense of style has stayed with her to this day. Experiment and learn what works for your body type and makes you feel comfortable at the same time.
Adjust to your audience
What and how you wear is just as important as whom you are wearing it for. Try to think beyond yourself and consider the audiences in front of you. Whether you are presenting to a Board, conducting a training for employees, or attending a workshop yourself, you might want to adjust your attire that serves a purpose.
Beware of casual Fridays and events
You play a role of professional at work, even on causal Fridays’ that many companies have adopted over the years. And, you are also still a professional at organisational events and parties outside of your office. Adjust your style accordingly but without minimising your image of a serious professional.
Play the role
Playing the role is the most evident in jobs where uniforms are required. Think police officer, nurses, doctors, pilots, to name a few. A well thought out and polished look communicates that others and yourself are worthy of respect. Adopting a mindset of a leadership role can help you play the part.
Get comfortable
When you decide to play a role of a leader, your work attire should work for you as your armour. It should make you feel good. Avoid clothes that make you feel uncomfortable or even add to your insecurities. Like Sharon Stone says: “Comfort is the most important step to style”.
Reduce distractions
Try to avoid attention callers – too much of anything, makeup, cologne, jewellery and anything else that you can think of. Thus, things that are diverting the attention from your professionalism and your message, should be reduced or avoided all together.
Get Feedback
Seek constructive feedback from your trusted bosses or colleagues. Keep and open mind and consider the advice you have been given, perhaps it could be the exact thing that you have been missing out.
Get professional advice
If you are still unsure, seek an image consultant. Developing a sense of style is consuming. Therefore, instead of investing money in the wrong clothing choices, it can be far more effective to spend it on an advice that will make and impact and serve you on the long-run.
Executive presence goes beyond your knowledge and communication skills. You appearance is an essential part of you that signals to others how much you care about yourself, and about them. Increase the focus on your expertise and leadership potential by following simple, but effective guidelines coming directly from offices around the world. Remember, image is intentional and can be developed. Seek guidance and advice if needed, but first see what you can do by yourself, right now.
Image: Alamy
Resource:
Hewlett, SA, 2014, Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success, Harper Business.