Workplace Challenges
Dress sharply -- no matter the job, no matter the hoursSecret to successPeople often assume that because we work in morning radio, my co-workers and I can stroll into the studio last minute with bed-head, wearing nothing but bran sacks and flip-flops. LISA BRANDT, SUN MEDIA |
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 [ 2007-08-24 ] |
(Comstock)
After all, we're sealed in small studios for hours at a time. Who sees us but each other?
My alarm goes off at 3 a.m. and only a masochist would concern herself with what she's going to wear at that ungodly hour, right? Not if she makes a habit of planning her wardrobe the night before.
True, I have known the occasional morning host who took advantage of media's lax dress codes and sported grey sweat pants as a fashion statement, but they are the exceptions.
PRIDE IN APPEARANCE
Most of us have too much pride to tumble out of bed and into the radio station looking like we spent the night camping on bare rocks.
There's a reason why power brokers wear nice suits to important meetings -- you feel the way you dress.
Looking good helps to give them confidence the way a blouse, skirt and heels does the same for me.
And contrary to what people may think, we are seen at show's end by managers, sales reps and guests of the station.
We do help build an impression of the radio station as a business.
A very long time ago broadcasting legend Dick Joseph took me aside and sweetly told me it was time to pack away the sweatshirts and jeans and to buy some nicer clothes.
I had become so used to working overnight shifts that I forgot how I would look to others when I was brought in for a rare day shift.
Dick said one of the wisest things I've ever been told even to this day. "If you want to make more money, you have to look like you already do."
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HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS
- Wear a solid colour, conservative suit with a co-ordinated shirt or blouse
- Wear conservative, clean and shined shoes
- Make sure your hair is well groomed and neat
- Avoid perfumes or aftershave -- many companies have no-scent policies
- Limit your jewelry
- Make sure any body piercings or tattoos are concealed by your clothing
TIPS:
- Your clothes are your image, check the mirror and see what others see
- It is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed
-Dress for the task at hand, and remember that there's a difference between the weekly staff meeting and lunch with a major client
- Check out how others dress at the office and emulate the rising stars. If you aspire to be a manager, dress like the managers
Do you have you a bad boss?