Professional Image

Below are some parts of Security America's Security Update mailed out recently on "Professional Appearance and Image Management" written by Bill Whyte.

1. Your clothing and grooming affect the way that you think.

You can’t afford to think negatively about yourself due to some aspect of your appearance. When you appear authentic, professional, and appropriate, you think more positively about yourself, your role, your situation, and others.

2. Your clothing and grooming affect the way you feel.

You can’t afford to feel depressed, unproductive, uncomfortable, antagonistic, argumentative, self-conscious, inferior, or full of self-doubt. A positive personal appearance is a fast, effective way to boost self-confidence and overcome anxiety regarding ability or acceptance. When you appear professionally dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the occasion, you feel more comfortable, confident, capable, cooperative, and productive.

3. Your clothing and grooming affect the way you act or behave.

You can’t afford to act awkward, insecure, submissive, out-of-place, or out-of-order. Nor can you afford to act defensive, defiant, arrogant, aggressive, affected, superior, or conceited. A positive, professional appearance is one of the most effective ways to improve behavior and enhance performance level and productivity. When you appear professionally dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the occasion, you act more secure, at ease, mannerly, competent, and naturally able to do your best.

4. Your clothing and grooming affect the way others react and respond to you.

Your appearance is the one personal characteristic that is immediately obvious and accessible to others. You can’t hide it. Your appearance makes a strong statement about your professionalism, personality, values, attitudes, interests, knowledge, abilities, roles, and goals. You can’t afford to be seen as disrespectful, antagonistic, pretentious, scatter-brained, irresponsible, ineffective, or unproductive. You can’t afford to create a negative impression or to build barriers between you and others because of unattractive, inappropriate, distracting, or offensive appearance. When you appear properly dressed and groomed, personally authentic, and appropriate for the occasion, you create a professional impression and others are more able to perceive your positive traits and regard you more favorably.