Executive Style - Power in the Blink of an Eye

 

You’re attending a business function and see two executives who are wearing almost identical suits.  Why is it that one ensemble creates an immediate impression of success, credibility and power while the other one somehow misses the mark?

 

If you want to be perceived as the savvy, successful businessperson you are, you need to take a closer look at the elements that shape this phenomenon.

 

> Read the rest of this article

Etiquette/Protocol Question:

 

I was invited out for lunch the other day. But when the bill arrived, the person who invited me made no move to pick it up. It sat there so long that I ended up paying it. I thought the person who invites you is supposed to pay the bill?

 

- Patricia, peeved

 

You're right, the person who issues the invitation, as host pays for the meal. Unfortunately, not everyone seems to know this. Let's give your "host" the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they just forgot.

 

Next time it happens try this; reach for the bill and say "Why don't we split this?". A gentle reminder and no feelings are hurt. Then either your host will come to their senses and remember to pay the bill or at worst you will only have to pay half.

 

If they still don't get the hint you could casually bring up an interesting website they should visit or send them a copy of our, soon to be released, dining etiquette DVD.

- Joanne

 

 

Image Questions:

 

Are fishnets appropriate for the office?

 

- Cathy, curious

 

I presume you are asking about stockings or pantyhose, Terry was hoping it was a fishing question. Don't get him started.

Fishnets might not be your best choice for the office. Accessories can act as a focal point, drawing attention to themselves, and the part of the body that they are worn on.

 

To be taken seriously in a business environment, you need to be aware of what subliminal messages you may be sending. Picture fishnet stockings.... what image comes to people's minds? What type of business? Is this powerful or is this erotic? Does this make you more or less credible?

 

If you are in a creative industry and you like the look, consider smaller scale nets in more neutral tones.

- Joanne

 

 

I've seen some guys wearing tee-shirts over their dress shirts. I'm thinking of trying this next casual day. What do you think?

 

- Roger, heading away from the corner office

 

You could, but and this is a big but. This look is gaining popularity with some musicians and recently on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, they convinced a victim, I mean client, to wear it to the office.

 

Whenever I see a tight tee-shirt stretched over a shirt my brain does a double take. The poor compressed dress shirt balloons out from the tee-shirt, giving the wearer skinny upper arms and torso with bulging forearms.

 

In other words, the Popeye the Sailor look. (Now there's someone who was badly in need of a personal trainer and an image consultant.) Even if I was a rock star I'd give this one a miss, unless you want Olive Oyl as your groupie.

- Terry
PS - Fishnets in small scale are always appropriate in the Fish and Wildlife office.  Speaking of fishing...

 

---

 

Quote of the Month:

 

Children are natural mimics; they act like their parents

in spite of every effort to teach them good manners.

 

- Author unknown

We want to hear from you

If you've seen something "interesting", got a topic, idea or question for possible inclusion in future issues please let us know.

› Contact us