It All Started With A Sportcoat
Grabbed dinner with CMUG tonight and ruminated about a million things under the sun - what a struggle it was to introduce the daylight savings concept (some states aren't implementing this??), hating or loving certain high school students, hoarding raffle tickets beyond the point of redemption (a very sad story I need to share in a future blog), and looking the part. It's this last topic that drew some sharp opinions from both of us -- this is what I want to air tonight.
Lately, I've been observing people all around me -- on the street, on Bart, at work, in the stores, on TV -- wherever. I've been carefully noting the first impression they make on me and try to identify the reason for it. I've mentally started categorizing these strangers into different buckets like the CEO, the Slacker, the Middle Manager, the Housewife, the Student, and the Sales Guy. I suppose you could just say this is some good old fashioned stereotyping -- but just know this is done in the name of research!
What research might this be, you ask? (Thanks for inquiring, btw) Well, since you ask, it's to resolve the eternal question - Should I buy a sportcoat?
Now, I am not a sportcoat kind of guy. Actually, I am far from it. On any given day, I'd rather wear my tattered jeans and Berkeley hoodie (hole in the back, thanks to Max) than suit up in business attire. Still, as I stand on the cusp of understanding the inner workings of the business world, I figure that assessing any other ways to succeed in business could be worthwhile.
I've noticed at work that all the VPs wear their sportcoats (typically navy blue, matched to tan slacks) to meetings with executive management. This is interesting to note, as my company has a business casual policy. That means that, really, a button down shirt and some slacks are sufficient. Full on suits are definitely not de rigeur here. What I didn't pick up on until I visited a customer's executive team with a few VPs and directors on my side was that there is a dress code for situations where you need to be fancy but not too fancy. This is called sportcoat casual. A simple donning of said jacket will commute to you high-professional status. No longer do you look like a cube monkey -- but you also won't look like you're ready to attend a wedding or interview.
So "who cares?" you ask. Why should anyone care what the heck jacket you wear to such meetings? I used to think this as well -- which I attribute to the "David slays Goliath" mentality of the dotcom generation. During the late 90s and early 2000s, kids were the movers and shakers. Casual dress was huge - and new college grads - even high school grads - were doing huge things and constructing the New Economy. It's the power of our minds and ambitions -- not the showiness of our dress or savviness of our politics -- that made things happen. We didn't have to do the dance, we were making others dance. Well, folks, for the most part, the old school ways are back in full force, and if you want to make a good first impression, you're going to need to look the part.
This is going to sound superficial, but so much is gleaned from how you look. Before you can open your mouth, people may have already pegged you. This can be a great thing - or downright regrettable.
This doesn't mean you have to lose your uniqueness, nor does it mean that you have to start getting all Brave New Worldish and become a clone. It just means you have to keep your ear to the ground, your wits about you, and know when it's time to shine as an individual -- and when it's time to wear the uniform.
Lately, I've been observing people all around me -- on the street, on Bart, at work, in the stores, on TV -- wherever. I've been carefully noting the first impression they make on me and try to identify the reason for it. I've mentally started categorizing these strangers into different buckets like the CEO, the Slacker, the Middle Manager, the Housewife, the Student, and the Sales Guy. I suppose you could just say this is some good old fashioned stereotyping -- but just know this is done in the name of research!
What research might this be, you ask? (Thanks for inquiring, btw) Well, since you ask, it's to resolve the eternal question - Should I buy a sportcoat?
Now, I am not a sportcoat kind of guy. Actually, I am far from it. On any given day, I'd rather wear my tattered jeans and Berkeley hoodie (hole in the back, thanks to Max) than suit up in business attire. Still, as I stand on the cusp of understanding the inner workings of the business world, I figure that assessing any other ways to succeed in business could be worthwhile.
I've noticed at work that all the VPs wear their sportcoats (typically navy blue, matched to tan slacks) to meetings with executive management. This is interesting to note, as my company has a business casual policy. That means that, really, a button down shirt and some slacks are sufficient. Full on suits are definitely not de rigeur here. What I didn't pick up on until I visited a customer's executive team with a few VPs and directors on my side was that there is a dress code for situations where you need to be fancy but not too fancy. This is called sportcoat casual. A simple donning of said jacket will commute to you high-professional status. No longer do you look like a cube monkey -- but you also won't look like you're ready to attend a wedding or interview.
So "who cares?" you ask. Why should anyone care what the heck jacket you wear to such meetings? I used to think this as well -- which I attribute to the "David slays Goliath" mentality of the dotcom generation. During the late 90s and early 2000s, kids were the movers and shakers. Casual dress was huge - and new college grads - even high school grads - were doing huge things and constructing the New Economy. It's the power of our minds and ambitions -- not the showiness of our dress or savviness of our politics -- that made things happen. We didn't have to do the dance, we were making others dance. Well, folks, for the most part, the old school ways are back in full force, and if you want to make a good first impression, you're going to need to look the part.
This is going to sound superficial, but so much is gleaned from how you look. Before you can open your mouth, people may have already pegged you. This can be a great thing - or downright regrettable.
- clothing - being neat counts. the more untucked, the more casual - nee, flippant. the better fitting, the more upscale you look. you can be PartyBoy, IvyLeague, MillionBucks, or HoboJim. You are what you wear. Remember that.
- hairstyle - now I am pretty much screwed by this, as I am not sure I have ever had a decent haircut in my life. From bowlcut to high fade to tendrils to military-on-leave, I've sampled a ton but have never attained the Hollywood/ Russell Wong/ Rick Yune look. Now I'm not trying to go pretty boy - but if you are known at work as one of the Spiky Hair Asians, you'd want to do something about it too.
- watch - i notice rolexes. and i don't think i am the only one. maybe it's human nature, or maybe i'm just lame like that - but i know when someone is wearing one, and i automatically think of them as rich and privileged. in the business world, anyway, this is an advantageous place to be. similarly, like the truly beautiful, such people get away with a lot more. that's just life folks - hate it or love it, that's just the way it ticks.
- shoes - this is key, especially for guys (so i hear). Now, again, I am the man with holy socks and shabby shoes. In fact, my coworker San once made it a game to try to step on the leather straps that were falling off the back of my leather shoes. I remedied that with some masking tape. Now I don't know a bruno magli from a payless shoesource special, but snazzy, well fitting, and shined up shoes communicate a certain crispness and togetherness that imbues trust and respect. Impression of being well-heeled? Indeed.
- bag - I think the West Coast is more laid back about this, but apparently the East Coast is less forgiving of using a North Face backpack brought to tote your stuff. I heard there is a huge bag trend going around (e.g. Jack Spade) but at any rate, you are what you carry.
This doesn't mean you have to lose your uniqueness, nor does it mean that you have to start getting all Brave New Worldish and become a clone. It just means you have to keep your ear to the ground, your wits about you, and know when it's time to shine as an individual -- and when it's time to wear the uniform.
posted by dodger | 1:15 AM
1 Comments:
defy da Man! don't buy a sportscoat!! (but instead buy better socks - it's how you feel inside that matters even if no one else sees it)
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