Age In The Work Place – Where It Helps And Where Hurts
August 5, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Age is a tricky topic, because it is emotionally charged and typically used either positively or negatively, but never neutrally, though it is something we do
A recent study was summarized in the Harvard Business Review by Kevin Evers (For Companies It Pays To Be Old) stating that mature companies are claiming more of the market share now than they were a decade ago concluding therefore that for companies it ‘pays to be old’. Sadly the same cannot be said for the employees.
We expect professionals to mature over time and become seasoned, experienced and accomplished, but it is not acceptable for their image to be ‘old’. As you age in the workplace in order to stay relevant and continue advancing you must constantly adjust your image so that it stays current. Here are a few tips and thoughts on how to assess your image to see if you have out grown it:
1. Understanding the expectation. A lot of people misinterpret the concept of modernizing your image to mean looking younger, and that isn’t the case. Your professional image is not about looking perpetually 30, but rather keeping your appearance current with the fashion of the day that is appropriate for you and your needs.
Instead of just amassing a wide array of ‘business staples’ put some time and thought into creating the image that is right for you. An easy way to do this is by imagining the qualities that are important to you and visualizing how to emote them. This process puts you back in control of your image, instead of feeling regulated to wear something that is uncomfortable or unflattering simply because in your mind it is ‘professional’. Uniforms are the only time where personal preference is removed from the equation.
2. How often should you access your image, includes hair and make-up? Ideally this is a continuous process. My recommendation is that when you replace items think about moving your image forward, and not just replacing items with the exact same pieces over and over again. This could mean simply upgrading the cut or quality of your pieces. It doesn’t have to be completely reinventing your style. The same idea of constant evolution should also apply to your hair and make-up. Whether it’s incremental trims, subtle shifts in color or a new style the goal is to always look your best, not constantly making radical changes.
Major assessments should come with every promotion and every decade. They are milestones for a reason and mark a major life events that should be reflected in your image.
3. The dead giveaway your style has stagnated. Look at photos of yourself from the past ten years. Whether they are professional portraits or just social media posts, if you look exactly the same, or worse, you’re wearing the same clothes in multiple photos, it’s time for some image attention. Again these pictures shouldn’t be as drastic as your yearbook photos were, but there should be a noticeable progression.
We tend to buy conservative and/or classic pieces for our professional image because we have the mindset they have to last for a long period of time. While quality is good, the idea that your image is stuck in one particular place isn’t.
We’re not the same people we were ten years ago. We’ve all grown and changed and bought new clothes, but would you know that just looking at us?
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I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
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About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
