How one can develop a strong presence and personality at a professional setup.
Sakshi Singh Raghuvanshi
Brand Storyteller | Raising Woofs | MMA Certified | Soft skills Mentor
Dress up great. According to the workplace environment, please. People will take you seriously. Remember, the first impression is the last impression.
If you work in a proper corporate world, then you should wear formals, or at least, semi-formals. Shorts, shabby clothes, normal t-shirts, etc., look cool only in agencies or creative startups. Also, do not take Fridays too seriously. It is to break the monotony from wearing proper/semi formals. Avoid wearing shimmery clothes, body con dresses, shabby clothes, capris, flip flops, etc.
Note: You do not have to have millions of clothes. You can surely repeat clothes, but be sure you wear classy (not necessarily expensive) outfits with good fit.
Be graceful. You do not have to keep laughing all the time for that. But, when you are out of your house, be sure of looking cheerful. A clean body, well-ironed clothes with minimal accessories around (especially a watch and a pair of statement earrings), well combed hair, confident walk, and subtle smiling face with shining eyes surely turn around heads. You certainly attract a second gaze, then. You are visible even in the crowd of people taller to you and more beautiful than you. In simple words, have an aura around you by following the above-mentioned simple steps. Visibility (without saying anything) matters. Like brand recalls! ;)
Be on time. Some people, including me, find it absolutely attractive.
Be intelligent. Learn (through any means of your choice; reading, writing, watching videos, meeting people, etc.). When a certain topic comes up and you are unaware of it, Google it. When something sparks your interest, read about it. Stimulate your brain. Do not just rely on the school or college learning system and only be literate, educate yourself.
No one is born with this trait, but how you make an individual effort for it is what matters. I was not that intelligent when I started. But, I am now. And, it is an ongoing process.
Do not be an unnecessary talkative person. Being a man or woman of few words also attracts attention. Remember, it is a professional environment.
Make sense when you talk. If you are not aware of a particular topic in a meeting, just stay away from talking about it. Simple rule, if you do not know about it, keep quiet and listen/observe. To learn for future. People will surely catch you if you are casually blabbering, and it is not impressive.
Be rigid towards your values and principles.
Manage time. Don't think that if you stay till late night in office, you will get promoted or will get the highest hike in the salary. No, it does not work like that. Balancing professional and personal life is an art; try mastering that. People, often, ask about your (expert) advice if you are great at it. A good factor to get motivated, right? :P
Email etiquette. Keep your emails as precise as possible. Don't make it verbose. The only focus should be on conveying your message right in correct English.
Also, imagine that B I U does not exist in formal email system. Refrain yourself from using those. I am sure you want to talk in your email, not shout. Additionally, press "Reply All" button only if necessary. Do not show off what/how you talk with a colleague or anyone.
Last, but not the least, never fight over emails. If you find out that it is going in that direction, send a personal message on Skype to that colleague and have a one-on-one meeting. It will save time as well as energy.
Be positive. It matters! Talk to a senior person or upper management and find out a solution instead of whining, blaming, or complaining.
Be decisive. For every thing you do. Period.
Be good and comfortable at what languages you use on a daily basis. Any language. You do not have to be an expert in that language or pro in English only. But, if you speak/write a particular language (mostly English) most of the times, then definitely try learning the basics of it. You do not have to use fancy vocabularies. Being correct and simple is the rule of thumb. Good grammar makes you stand out as most people do not know even the basics of it. When a friend/well-wisher tries to correct you (as long as not insulting), do not get offended. Learning is also an art. I have grown up that way, without getting offended.
Believe me, I still am learning a lot of things about English. And, people listen when I speak or read when I write.
Be witty, if you want to make others laugh. Crack subtle jokes. Do not do it for the sake of it. It is okay to not crack jokes, but when you do, make sure it is witty enough.
Have a high (or good) tolerance level towards jokes, any comedy video, or situation. This is in connection with the immediate previous point. Do not roll on the floor laughing (ROFL) unnecessarily. Most of the times, it looks annoying.
Be busy. You attract a lot of attention. Ironic, but true. Plus, this makes you meet all your deadlines on time to have some quality time at home.
Note: This is not intending towards you being a machine, but the only intention is to not get involved in unnecessary breaks to discuss gossips. You get nothing out of it.
Set priorities. Take out time for it (in connection with the immediate previous point).
Maintain a fit body. Exercise regularly (all seven days even if it is for 15–20 minutes per day). You glow. You will remain energetic and graceful throughout the day, which people notice.
Also, an added advantage is that when random people (at work and University) come and ask you about your fitness regime and praise you, it is a good feeling.
Be considerate. Do not hesitate to show basic courtesy.
Take stand. Against anything that is happening seriously wrong in the organisation. Against anyone, irrespective of age or seniority level, who is involved in any such wrong-doings.
Be an individual first. Make your own identity. People should know you not only by your name or face but also by one of your best skills, such as your multiple achievements, your confidence level, your brilliance, your oratory skills, your dress sense or style, your carrying of yourselves, your time management skills, your seriousness towards fitness, your behaviour, your aura, your optimism, and similar other trait(s). Do not just be a part of a crowd. Stand out!
...More suggestions are welcome, if any.
Image source: Google Images.