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How Professional Is Your Image???

Guest post by: Dr. Madeline Lewis

Article Overview: It is infinitely important that we embrace women who are on all levels of life's "playing field." Women bring a fresh perspective that can hep companies identify shifting paradigms and shift their priorities accordingly. Women's participative, supportive ways of leading are the ways needed in a workplace of well-educated technical and professional employees. With that in mind let us understand how important outward impression and image is as it relates to moving ahead in the business world.

How Professional Is Your Image???

"Perhaps one of the most vital aspects of a professional woman's image is that of how she behaves at work and her interactions and courtesies toward others.

Many women have outstanding educational degrees, having the know-how to succeed, but are limited in their quest for advancement because of small (or large) faux pas.

Women are under a microscope at work. A professional must look at her image as an aide to achieving success. Image, class, finesse or style, tend to be missing ingredients in many careers.

The following are a few tips for working women to succeed and be perceived as a polished professional.

Professional Image Tips

• Do not call your boss by her first name until she mentions it

• Never introduce yourself by first name only; use both your first and last names

• If someone attempts to undermine your work and credibility, see them in private. Do not go to your boss and complain.

• Listen to office gossip to find out what is going on...but do not add to the gossip or fuel fires. Do not let the gossip start with you. Put an end to vicious gossip. Act disinterested.

• Beat the clock. Arrive to work early rather than late

• Complete assignments on time and with minimal fuss

• Never brood, mope or pout when things do not go your way

• Leave your personal problems at home

• Take criticism seriously; do not laugh or joke when your superior corrects you

Professional Image Mistakes

• Skirts that are too short (more than 2 inches above knee)

• Bra showing through blouse (no camisole)

• Too many accessories (i.e., scarf, pin & necklace)

• Excessive jewelry on hands

• Dirty fingernails

• Disheveled hair

• Excessive Earrings (too large or too many)

• Poor posture

• No handshake

• Gum chewing

If you want to be taken seriously in the workplace, then you must understand the critical importance of first impressions.

It is a truism, perception is reality. Image may not be everything, but a professional has to walk the walk and talk the talk.

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Article Tags: image, professional, women, workplace



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