Femininity And Negotiations – A Match Not Made In Heaven

Femininity And Negotiations – A Match Not Made In Heaven

By Brian Maynor

 

A recent study published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes states that men and women who have more feminine facial features are at a disadvantage when negotiating face-to-face.

Eric Gladstone and Kathleen M. O’Connor studied online negotiations between strangers and found people were more aggressive, expected greater cooperation and demanded significantly more from opposing parties when they were shown photos of men and women with more feminine facial features (like less-prominent eyebrow ridges; smaller noses; fuller cheeks and lips and thinner jawbones).

The study, A counterpart’s feminine face signals cooperativeness and encourages negotiators to compete,doesn’t explore the rational behind this phenomenon, they just document that it exists.

 

Extending this premise beyond facial features, here are a few feminine style elements you may want to at least acknowledge before heading into a negotiation.  It’s not about dressing overtly masculine, but you can affect the impact of your image with your choices:

 

1.   Bright colors and prints.  When you walk through a department store colors are often very distinct between genders.  Just like the story a few weeks ago on the Pantone palette for Fall, the feminine colors are slightly lighter and brighter than masculine colors.  If you choose a colorful outfit or element try taking the hue and tone down a shade or two.  It may not seem like much but it does make a difference in the perception.

 

2.   Fabrics.  Classically viewed feminine fabrics include lace, silk and satin.  I also feel the weight of any fabric plays into the characterization.  People extend the light, soft and flowing nature of the pieces to the wearer’s personality.  If you’re trying to make an impact and command authority choose fabrics that reinforce those ideas.  Heavier fabrics with some texture like tweeds, wool and broadcloth cotton will add visual weight to your image and thus subconsciously weight to your presence.

 

3.   Style Elements.  Necklines, sleeve lengths, waist height and fit of the leg all play into ‘genderization’ of image.   If you want a more masculine look opt for pieces that have closed, higher necklines, long sleeves, a mid-rise waist and straight legs.

 

4.   Makeup and hair.  While we have no control over our facial features short of surgery we have complete control over our hair and makeup.  Keeping hair clean is a good rule of thumb for everyone, but bringing it in and pulling it up will keep it looking less feminine.  You didn’t see many up-dos in the Miss America pageant earlier this week did you?

Makeup is a tool and can be very helpful in achieving a more androgynous look.  Keep it light, natural and neutral of course, but one quick tip that will have a huge impact is filling in your eyebrows.  Whether they are pencil thin or just sparse this makes a huge difference in one simple step.  Another tip is to go lightly or skip the mascara.

 

5.   Accessories.  While the fewer accessories the better, the size is also important.  Smaller pieces are overlooked easier than larger ones, so skip the statement pieces.

 

Looking feminine and overcoming the inherent challenges it creates affects both men and women, and these tips are just about appearing more masculine to solve the problem.  They are about bringing this very real and documented circumstance to the forefront of your mind.   When you know there is an underlying element at play you can prepare for it and ultimately use it to your advantage.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

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.