- More about work dress codes: Work Dress Codes and Image Collection
Successful people believe their success is attributable to a pattern of mutually beneficial interpersonal relationships, as much as it is due to technical skills or business knowledge. Your communication and the image you present create the first impression - often the lasting impression - on the people you meet. Want a more professional image? How you present yourself is the first step in building that mutually beneficial network of contacts.
Studies about people meeting reveal that most people make decisions about a new acquaintance within the first thirty seconds to two minutes of interaction. This does not give you much time to make a good impression.
Studies by Dr. Albert Mehrabian at UCLA revealed that when we try to convey meaning through our communication with others, the majority of our message is communicated nonverbally and through voice and facial expression. Approximately seven percent of the message is communicated by words.
His studies revealed that up to 37% of a first impression is based upon the speaker's tone of voice. On the telephone, that number rises to 80% or higher, according to many communication consultants.
Let's look at four areas that have a huge impact on your image and how you present yourself professionally:
- appearance
- interpersonal interaction,
- written interaction, and
- networking.
Professional Appearance Counts
The standard advice given by mentors and managers to people who want to advance their career has always been to dress for the job you want, not the job you have currently. Even in this day of more casual dressing for work, your professional image will serve you well when promotions, lateral moves, choice assignments and departmental visibility are available.
A professional appearance sets you apart from coworkers who are less concerned about projecting a successful, professional image. Here are Guidelines for Business Casual Dress and for Business Casual Dress in a Manufacturing Work Environment. These dress code guidelines will serve you well in any workplace that espouses today's casual environment.
Want to know more?
When You Meet Face-to-Face- Page 2
Project a Professional Image in Writing - Page 3
Networking for Success - Page 4
