The Value of Personality

By Brian Maynor
May 15, 2014

 

Earlier this week an interesting headline from FastCompany caught my eye, AN EMPLOYEE’S PERSONALITY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN SKILLS ACCORDING TO A NEW TALENT STUDY.

Hyper Island conducted a study on the qualities employers’ value in new employees and 78% of those surveyed ranked personality as the most important, citing flexibility and a combination of creativity; drive and open-mindedness would propel tomorrow’s top talent.  The study focused on a broad cross-section of leaders in industries including:  advertising; marketing; manufacturing; technology; retail and public sector.

Since what you wear is one of the most visible extensions of your personality, this is very exciting news for professional wardrobes.  While there will still be limits and rules of what are acceptable, companies should begin to modernize stagnant and antiquated dress code polices and embrace new options along with some controversial ones.  Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Peep-toed shoes and sandals.  The ‘professionalism’ of peep-toped shoes is one of the most highly contested points at any professional workshop I’ve conducted.   Diehard traditionalists will resoundingly say they are not professional, but realistically that is not the case.  Legitimate safely concerns aside, seeing toes is a small price to pay for heightened employee satisfaction and does not detrimentally impact professionalism.

This extension beyond closed-toe pumps does not, however, include sandals.  When more of your foot is exposed than covered you have crossed the line into casual footwear and begin to undermine your creditability and authority.

2.  Polo shirts.  This is a spring and summer staple in most men’s wardrobes, but they are not generally accepted in professional settings.  With so many variations on the market it is understandable why employers are reluctant to embrace the option.  While your basic loose-fit cotton pique polo shirt does not fit the bill, a fitted brushed cotton one looks very chic and pulled together under a blazer.

3.  Cropped pants and capris.  There is always a little confusion around cropped pants and capris, and while it may seem like simple semantics, there is a difference.  Capri pants generally end around your knee with a wider leg, and cropped pants tend to have a closer fit down the leg, ending just above your ankle.

While capris are clearly casual, cropped pants can be professional, especially during the summer months.  Not only a huge trend, they are unisex and multi-generational.  Ladies can showoff their inner Audrey Hepburn by pairing them with pointy-toed flats and guys can embrace their sartorial side by pairing them with oxfords and no-show socks.

 

It is wonderful to see leaders in the professional community identifying and valuing individualism, but it doesn’t stop with the employee.  To cultivate and retain the next generation of top talent companies have to look at their entire culture and work to move it all forward collectively.  Like all change it can be scary and intimidating, but the benefits will far out way the risks.

 

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 athttp://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.