 The verdict is out : Appearance Matters
The verdict is out : Appearance Matters
Dear Friends,
Many of my friends may disagree on this topic but i believe theres never a second chance for a "First impression".
"WHO among the following people would you nominate as the spokesperson of your organisation - A woman clad in a business suit with her hair tidily combed and who always sustains eye contact while communicating; or somebody attired in a scruffy outfit, sporting a bizarre hairdo, and nonchalantly chewing gum? Both could be equally knowledgeable and/or talented. However, it goes without saying that you'd put more faith in the former to deliver the goods in style.
As a child, your mother would pester you to sit up straight because when you stoop, you look jaded. Don't fidget or talk while you are eating. Certainly, you will never find your boss say all that to you! You may argue that these "petty" etiquette tips that dominated moral science textbooks and beauty pageant manuals for long don't matter in today's workplace. In contrast, experts say, these grooming practices have gained immense significance in today's corporate India.
What you see is what you get…
In the competitive corporate environment, there's never a second chance for a first impression. "In addition to your academic qualifications, you should know how to blend in with your company's image by projecting the right look," says Surojoy Banerjee, director and executive vice-president, RK Swamy BBDO.
In an interview, an HR manager's job is to attend to those facets that directly influence the candidate's ability to perform the tasks relevant to the position. Lancelot Cutinha, director-HR, J W Mariott doesn't completely agree, "The interview process establishes several non-work connected aspects into the evaluation process. Inevitably, we tend to judge the applicant with certain irrelevant nonverbal observations based on dress sense, personal appearance and grooming habits." Melba D'sa, asst-manager (HR and admin) , McCann Errickson agrees, "The interviewer will make a swift assessment as to how well you will fit in with the organisation' s image based on your personal demeanour."
The verdict is out: appearance matters! The appearance of your employees radically shapes your corporate brand recognition. Hence grooming employees in order to acclimatise them to the culture of their working environment is imperative. Employers base their grooming practices on the presumption that employees at all levels are representatives of their corporate culture and can influence the public's perception of the business and internal decorum.
The corporate wardrobe
Queenie Dhody, a make-over expert cites an example. "Dressing for a social gathering is different from dressing to impress in the corporate environment. For a party, a leather skirt and a tattooed bare back may seem trendy. Is it appropriate for the corporate environment? No! How a person dresses makes a statement about one's self-identification and also level of occupational aspiration." Experts say grooming in your workplace begins by encouraging decent dressing standards.
"During an interview, if a candidate is dressed shabbily, I would think that they don't care enough about the job to want to impress me. Convey to your future employer that you can fit in and you are not there to make a style statement," says Cutinha. Clothes that stand out too much, give the appearance of the wearer being someone who's more interested in themselves than the company.
"Wear something that conveys a sense of individuality," says Dhody. But, the problem arises when you try to explore your individuality and in doing so they also run the risk of having their choices misunderstood. "Companies may view "individual style" as indecent. The first step to getting properly dressed is to keep in mind the kind of industry you work for, your job-profile and your company's written or unwritten dress codes," adds Dhody.
"At Enigma, we let our male employees have pierced ears and have long hair. The youth who visit the pub get a refreshing change in comparison to the usual suited-booted types," says Cutinha. But experts emphasise that the clean look is the "in" look. Maintaining personal hygiene and decorum is the most essential element that builds the foundation of a reputed organisation. Grooming not only boosts the morale of the people working within the organisation but will ultimately reflect its culture to the people outside.
The corporate look
Dress codes are important but app e a r a n c e codes go a step further. "At McCann, if an employee doesn't abide to the rules regarding appearance, a private meeting may solve the problem. Sometimes, we ask for an 'image coach'," says D'sa.
Employers formulate policies of dress at work reflective of the company's culture. "We have a code of decorum that encompasses regulations regarding dressing. Regular 'grooming sessions' can encourage employees to be aligned with our corporate culture," says Chandar Thapar, group vice-president, Hiranandani.
Employers should make rules that have a rational basis and are vigilantly formulated keeping the nature of their business." Employers must apply dress/grooming codes equally to men and women in order to avoid sex discrimination," says D'sa. Appearance requirements specific of a particular religious group should be considered.
"Play the game and look the part" is the latest corporate mantra. So go ahead and buy that new suit, if it makes you feel more confident. Every employee craves to earn recognition and nothing buoys your mood if people are willing to give you a second look. Adjust your wardrobe accordingly so that your boss can evaluate you on the basis of your performance, not your eye-popping style.
__________________ Lead Life Like An EAGLE M.Peer Mohamed Sardhar 0 93831 93832 Sharing what is Shared with me Whatever Happens, Life Must Go on | 
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