If there is one thing in your career that you must understand and apply, it is this: you are a physical representation of the company. You are part of its brand. What you do and say, as well as how you act, both inside and outside the doors of your workplace, reflects on your employer. This is why, in much of corporate America, the sloppy dresser rarely gets promoted. It’s why employees get terminated for things they say on social media. Likewise, if you get caught on camera doing something foolish, and your employer finds out, you should expect it to negatively impact your career.
So, how does this knowledge help your career? Here are a few simple ideas to illustrate what I mean:
1. Don’t just follow the dress code, exceed it.
If you are content with your current position and aren’t seeking a promotion, adhering to the dress code is perfectly acceptable. However, to be perceived as someone at the level of a supervisor, manager, or even a higher-level professional within the organization, you must first look the part. Observe how those in positions above you dress and then emulate their style.
Pay attention to every detail, from their hairstyle and accessories to their shoes. In all my years working at various companies, I’ve only encountered one person in a senior role who wore tennis shoes. The sole reason was his impending retirement and his indifference to further advancement. Every other male executive I met, however, wore high-quality, polished leather shoes. They almost always wore a dress shirt and slacks, and frequently a well-tailored suit. I never saw a tattoo or any facial piercings.
I understand that not all companies are the same, which is why I emphasize observation and mimicry. However, as a general rule, business professional attire remains the norm, not the exception.
I appreciate your desire for individuality and expressing your personality, but this isn’t about you. This is about the company’s brand and the message it wants to convey to its customers. You have ample opportunity to express your uniqueness in your personal time. However, as soon as you represent the company, they expect you to embody their image, not your own.
2. Be nice.
There’s a peculiar misconception that being abrasive is necessary for career advancement. While I acknowledge that some bosses fit this description, it’s actually far less common than perceived. Those in upper management are almost never like this. Why? Because to effectively lead a team, you need the support of your team members. No one genuinely wants to work for a bully. They tolerate it only until they find an opportunity to leave. And absolutely no one will go above and beyond for a boss who mistreats them. They will do the bare minimum to avoid reprimands and nothing more.
Undeniably, there are instances where being aggressive yields short-term gains. However, in the long run, you will achieve far greater success in your career (and life in general) by being polite and professional. This isn’t to suggest that you should be a pushover and allow others to exploit you. Assertiveness and politeness are not mutually exclusive. There is a courteous way to decline or to advocate for what you want. Once you learn how to motivate and persuade people without resorting to aggression or imposing your will, you’ll discover it’s a powerful skill. People will not only be willing to assist you, but they will also want to collaborate with you.
The same principle applies when interacting with customers or vendors. Consider the numerous examples of companies that have had to terminate employees due to viral videos showcasing their poor treatment of customers. A few months ago, a vape shop received negative publicity when one of its employees yelled at a customer wearing a “Make America Great Again” cap. Regardless of one’s political views, how did this behavior benefit the employee or the company? It didn’t. Both suffered as a result of the employee’s actions. Would it have been so difficult for the employee to simply be polite and provide the customer with what they wanted so they could both move on with their day? No. Consequently, that employee quickly became a former employee.
This also extends to your behavior outside of work. Organizations (excluding criminal ones) do not want to be associated with unpleasant individuals. As soon as someone discovers where a bully works, the company likely loses at least one potential customer.
3. Up your communication game.
How you speak and write to people both inside and outside the company reflects on the business. Most companies aim to project an image of educated professionals, both internally and externally. With this in mind, be mindful of the words you use when communicating with customers and vendors. Ensure your spoken and written communication is clear. If you frequently find yourself needing to clarify or explain your meaning, it might be time for a communication overhaul. Additionally, be concise. Convey your message directly and clearly. Identify your key points and use bullet points to highlight them. Include clear calls to action. Avoid using slang in professional communication.
Similarly, if you aspire to advance within the company, you will eventually need to be comfortable with public speaking. You will be expected to deliver presentations, proposals, and so on. You cannot allow the fear of public speaking to hold you back. If you’re not yet proficient, consider joining a local Toastmasters group or seeking relevant training. It’s a skill that will yield long-term benefits.
Finally, master the art of asking questions. This advice might seem obvious, but the truth is, most people are not very good at it. They are either too hesitant to ask questions of those in higher positions or lack the patience to fully understand the problem and proceed based on their best guess. This can have serious consequences. For example, if you don’t ask clarifying questions at the beginning of a project, you will likely head in the wrong direction, damaging your reputation and wasting valuable time. Likewise, if you don’t ask the right questions of a customer, you won’t know how to solve their problem effectively. In sales, the majority of your calls or visits should be dedicated to asking numerous questions, both to get to know the customer personally and to understand their pain points. This will enable you to connect with them more effectively and tailor your proposed solution.
These are just some of the ways in which you contribute to a company’s brand. It’s also crucial to be punctual, follow through on your commitments, and be present to work, not socialize excessively, to mention a few other important aspects. However, if you master these three areas, you will go a long way in ensuring that you become someone the company is proud to have on their team. If you don’t, your tenure with them may be short-lived. The choice is yours.