EPISODE 11 (50) PERFECT APPEARANCE - why it matters so much at work

Does it matter how you look at work? Andrew thinks it does and in this episode he talks about demeanour.

This is broader than the clothes you wear. It includes your general appearance, the importance of good hygiene, and more fundamentally how your demeanour affects how you feel inside.

There's more tolerance days at work these days on how you look.  But check out what's expected. Turning up wearing the height of fashion may suit you but how will it land with others? 

In some of the stuffier organisations, he says, you could be silently faulted for sloppy looks, a missing item of clothing such as a tie,  or messy shoes.  You may not lose your job for these failings but it could affect your long term success.

The big secret Andrew shares is that demeanour profoundly affects how you think about yourself.

His action suggestions include checking for a cultural miscue such as overdressing; meeting the basics of hygiene and cleanliness, and ensuring that your demeanour makes you look and feel good.

Appearance Work Out

Find a full-length mirror as in a department store changing room. Consider installing one a home as part of polishing your demeanour.

Wear your regular work clothes and take a long hard look at what you see in the mirror.

• CARE: does this person seem to take care of themselves? What changes could you recommend?
  
  
• FLAIR: what makes you look distinctive? Does anything stand out, or is everything bland in terms of look, colour or design? What changes might introduce some flair?
  
  
• AWARE: How appropriate is your appearance to your working life. Even if you like what you see, does it support the message you want to send to people about your wish to be a success at work?

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better at Asking.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book