Image = Leadership

There are several clichés in the business world like there is no “I” in TEAM, the number one reason people leave their job is because of their boss, a first impression is made in seven seconds. Wait, all of this is true – while there is no “I” in TEAM, there is a “ME”. The number one reason most people leave their jobs for years has been because of their boss and like it or not, we are judged on our appearance. As a leader, do your people quit you? Is there something you can do about your image to reflect your ability to lead your team?

Let’s remember that 93% of communication is nonverbal. This is made up of body language, tone, vocal elements and our appearance. As a leader, you are constantly communicating with your team and you would not send out an email full of typos and punctuation errors, why would a leader want their appearance to be perceived full of errors? A leader does not want a presentation full of “ums” and “uhs”, once again, why should a leader have an image that reflects that? 

There is an art to being a leader and pulling all the elements together, this art extends to your image and presentation. There is an aura with a leader who enters a room and you can literally feel their presence. A leader knows how to present themselves to command the room instantly, this comes with a physical appearance. Attractive people get more and make money according to multiple scientific studies, they have an advantage. 

Just as you can hire a consultant to coach you on your leadership skills, you can hire an image consultant to ensure that you are projecting the image you want your team, clients and community to perceive. A seasoned image consultant can take the guessing game out of this for you. Make sure your image consultant has a background in business and leadership,

Ending with one last cliché – perception is reality. Wait, that one is true as well.