A business casual working environment.
Mark, a 33 year-old senior associate is on track to realize his career dream—to become a shareholder in his CPA firm. In order to ensure this dream becomes a reality, Mark and I would meet regularly to discuss the professional development he must continue to pursue to be an appealing candidate to his business partners.
During one of our coaching sessions, I worked with Mark to refine his elevator pitch so he could communicate to prospects and referral sources what differentiates him from his competition. I encouraged Mark to attend the upcoming meeting of a networking group comprised of other accountants, lawyers, bankers and financial planners, many of whom I knew.
As a visitor, Mark would be given a couple of minutes to introduce himself and his practice. I wished him good luck and told him to check-in with me after the meeting.
The afternoon of the meeting, I was sitting in my office when the phone rang. It was a business contact of mine, Jeffrey, who called to tell me he had met Mark at the networking group. Knowing all the effort Mark and I had spent to refine his elevator pitch, I asked Jeffrey to tell me what he thought of Mark’s introduction. Jeffrey replied by saying, “Mark seems like a nice guy and a capable attorney, but why didn’t he show up in a suit?”
Expecting that the worst Jeffrey could tell me was that Mark was dressed in slacks and polo shirt—after all, it was casual Friday—I replied, “What are you talking about?” To my dismay and total embarrassment Jeffrey said, “Mark wore ill-fitting jeans and a shirt unsuitable for gardening. The guy looked homeless!”
Words could not express my frustration! Was I more irritated with Mark for not wearing a suit or with myself for assuming that he would know that professional clothing is the appropriate option for any business interaction?
Consider this:
- Strong credentials can be overshadowed by a poor visual presentation to those in hiring or referring positions. For our prospects, it’s all about trust and credibility. The reptilian part of our brain tells us to trust what we see more than any other sense. Professionals with strong, personal brands lead with a strong visual presentation.
- Policemen, doctors, chefs, service men and women, trial lawyers, bankers, mail carriers, judges, politicians, and business professionals all wear uniforms. If your appearance isn’t consistent with what others would expect from someone in your profession, your ability and credibility will be questioned.
- If in doubt of your visual presentation, consult a tailor or stylist who can assist you in putting your best foot forward.
Whether we seek employment, advancement, or are looking to build credibility within our industry, we must manage those aspects over which we have total control. Visual presentation is one of them.
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Yes, I see this issue a lot in the business community. I once attended a big rbbon cutting event at a bank and a businessman I know shopwed up in a T-shirt, jeans, and, wait for it- snadals with socks! Yikes! I felt sorry for him, but only for a short while. Everyone needs to dress appropriately!
Jonathan brings up a great point in being “overdressed” as opposed to under- very true.
Remember, if you show up somewhere with an “I’m with stupid” shirt on- whether you’re with someone or alone, you’re right!
Shawn McCarthy BNI ED Ventura County, Ca.
This is interesting because it’s not only about dressing to impress, get the job, etc. It’s also about the way people feel and behave in a work environment when they are dressed professionally, versus wearing jeans and a t-shirt. As a lawyer, I have worked on litigation projects where in terms of dress, anything goes – jeans with holes, old t-shirts, flip flops (that’s a whole other entry for me….who in the world ever thought is was ok to allow men in particular to expose their grimey feet at work in a professional setting!?) Time and time again, there’s no question that on the cases where people at least wear slacks and a button down (or even polo) shirt, they act more professionally, and I’m sure work product is better. Good post and observation, Jonathan.
Tom…you’re spot on! I’ve always thought that someone’s external appearance has some direct reflection of how they see themselves. Sloppy on the outside may suggest unorganized or scattered on the inside. Not exactly the type of professional I want representing me on any level. I’ve also noticed that the worst offenders make excuses like, “my clients don’t want me to look “buttoned up” or they can’t relate to someone who looks better than they do because it’s too intimidating.” When it comes down to brass tacks, I’d rather error on the side of overdressed than under any day of the week! I’ve never heard anyone say, “Wow…that guy is so overdressed, he must be a real loser!” Ha! Thanks for your insights, Tom!
Bottom line: if the attendees at a meeting cannot distinguish at a glance you as a lawyer from the guy who delivered lunch, you’ve failed in your visual presentation. A female NYC politician in the ’70s by the name of Bella Abzug was once asked why she always wore distinctive hats. Her reply was more colorful, but in essence she said it distinguished her at a glance from everyone else in the room. Lawyers sell air; your “packaging” as a lawyer affects your presence and that either enhances or detracts from your legal advice.
You’re right, Jim! Especially for those of us in professional services, it’s all about differentiation, even if that means being the most professionally dressed one in the room! It sounds too simple to those who would rather be judged on their merits, like education and experience, but it’s the truth. Perception is reality!
Karen brings up a great point. The simpler the better. Even if you have very little fashion sense, women can wear black slacks and a tailored blouse. When in doubt, a solid blue shirt or blouse is never wrong. A man or woman can always wear a sports jacket over the blue shirt and it will work in any professional environment. The blink is so important– from how your hair is styled and the jewelry you wear, to whether or not your shirt is pressed or your cuffs are frayed. I can still remember my negative impression of a supposedly successful attorney from a name firm whose clothes looked like he bought them at a second hand store. To this day, I can’t imagine referring him a piece of business.
Love this blog, although it points out for me the challenge women can have in looking appropriately business casual at work when nice slacks and polo shirts on women call to mind “tennis instructor” rather than “casual professional.” Unfortunately, “machine washable” often equals “rapidly disposable.” In today’s increasingly casual business climate, my clients are constantly challenged with developing productive grooming policies that cover these lapses in judgment, don’t offend employees or unduly pressure them into buying nicer clothing in a sluggish economy, but also allow company management to avoid that awkward “you didn’t dress very well today” conversation that no HR manager or supervisor really wants to have.