If you’ve seen the new movie release High Fidelity you’ll know it stars the talented John Cusack and his equally gifted, but less well-known, sister Joan. In the film John is a dishevelled character, physically and emotionally. He is poorly groomed often sporting a three-day growth, his clothes are grungy and mismatched. Joan on the other hand is beautifully groomed. Her hair is coiffed and her makeup is meticulous, subtle and flattering, her clothing is relaxed yet corporate. However, to most of the viewing public John is considered a ”sex symbol” while Joan is considered a ”plain Jane” at best.
So what’s the point of all this Cusack deconstruction? Simply this: there are widely different standards for men and women when it comes to the elements of visual impact that signal attractiveness, effectiveness and success. Many women feel they have more choices than men when it comes to their ”visual impact”. This includes style and colour of clothing, hairstyles, basic grooming including make-up, accessories, shoes and jewellery. There are, indeed, many choices out there to be made, and socially and psychologically women often don’t want to be constrained, they want to express themselves in any way they wish. If they don’t want to wear make-up, or hosiery or clothing in ”business” type colours, then that”s their choice, however, there are consequences.
Take Amada. A young, ambitious, talented professional, she had just landed a senior role, assisting ”God” at an innovative international company. On her first day, she wore a brand-new suit and sported a hair-do she had just paid a fortune for. More precisely, she wore a pale suit with zips in unusual places, no hosiery, little make-up and spiky hair. She looked incredibly trendy, which, as it turned out, was not to her advantage. As she was being introduced around the office someone asked “Doesn’t ”God” already have a secretary?”
There is a reason why business attire for men has not changed much in nearly 100 years. Men entering the workforce were (and still are, I believe) given unambiguous, often unspoken, messages about acceptable attire and the keys to success – a dark suit, white shirt, subtle tie, polished lace-up shoes, leather attach and smart watch. Very little variation is acceptable and there is not much room for ”creative expression”.
There are keys to success in your visual impact – in the way you present yourself to the world. Don’t sabotage your chances through an ill-advised visual impact. Some women find out too late that they have made irrevocable mistakes and often the damage is done, their credibility is zeroed and their career cut off at the pass.
Effective communicators know that it’s not what you say but what others hear that counts. It’s the same with creating a strong, positive, memorable impact with others. It’s not so much about what you believe you are creating with your visual impact (looking trendy or young, for example), it’s what others translate from what they see.
Jill Chivers is the director of Emage Coaching, a firm dedicated to helping people and organisations create a positive and lasting impact. Her specific expertise is in visual, verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Jill helps individuals to skyrocket their careers through a more powerful presence, and helps organisations to build positive corporate cultures and brand through people.
