Working in the corporate world often means finding more than your own individual personal style – it means conforming to your corporation\’s image and redesigning your own image to enhance your ability to rise through the ranks and faster speed. Corporations discovered 10 years ago that portraying a specific image to the public would enhance their perceived value to the public and their customers, as well as improve their bottom line.
And, individuals within the corporation who have specific goals of advancement and achievement recognize that those who conform to the corporate image – whether intentionally or accidentally – will have a better success rate than those who do not. Those people who are competing for highly sought after positions will do their homework and enter the interviews simply seeping with corporate communication – appearing as if they already belong inside the company.
In fact, an entire industry has grown up around teaching employees how to dress appropriately in the business environment – covering details from the difference between corporate and business casual attire, color choices, body analysis, fashion styles which are and are not appropriate, incorporating personal style with corporate choices and how to select clothing that coordinates and is in line with the corporate image.
Those who benefit most from working toward a corporate image are those mid to upper level executives who want to increase their chances of promotion quickly. You know the people. When you walk through the office you can quickly spot those who are \’dressed for success\’ and those who are just showing up for their pay check. And, while those who don\’t pay as much attention to their appearance may be doing a better \’job\’ than those who appear to be dressed for success it is not always the person who achieves the goals who gets the promotion.
The company is looking for people in management who can efficiently and effectively represent the company, and who can manage others successfully. This may mean that they don\’t promote the person who can do the job well, but the person who can do the job and appears to know exactly what they are doing. First impressions may be important but in the corporate world, continued impressions are exacting.
If you can\’t afford a personal corporate consultant on your current salary, then it\’s time to take the bull by the horns and make some changes on your own. Take the time to read books and articles on the subject. Attend a seminar or two if you are able, and take copious notes. Pay attention to the dress style of your corporate leaders, and while it may be flattering to copy the dress style of your management it is also a visible attempt that is often dismissed as childish.
Instead, incorporate your own personal style and color choices that appear to be appropriate in your own office. Neon colors, hot pink and shiny shirts are all out. Most companies are conservative in nature and you must also adhere to their image. Some Internet based companies are more casual and a dark suit would stick out like a sore thumb. Casual sport jacket with dark wash jeans and a button down collar is confident, powerful and relaxed.
Your goal is to make an impression that commands attention without laughter. You know the people to whom everyone seems to gravitate without looking like they are even trying. These are people who are powerful, exude confidence and believe in themselves. And, if you do not believe that clothing can make a difference in the way that you feel about yourself, then watch just one or two episodes of the immensely popular reality TV show \”What Not To Wear.\” Watch the participants transform from insecure and poorly dressed to secure and confident people in just one week.
Corporations have made changes to their own images because they know that it makes a difference to their bottom line. They are looking for individuals who can represent their image in the public and inside the company to present a united front. Are you that person?