The secret of change is to focus on all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building the new. Socrates
June Tips For Communication & Image Success
Tip for Organizations:
Question:
Once again, there is a problem with too little fabric covering women and for the men, open toe sandals. How can we let the women wear open toe sandals and the men not? How can we handle it without going to HR?
Answer:
It is important to include HR when handling appearance policy issues. If you have a dress policy, update it if it does not include a specific guideline about clothing recommendations. One guideline might be: no bare shoulders or midriffs.
As for open toe sandals, it if is allowed for women, then it should be allowed for men. You may consider including a grooming clause regarding how to do properly maintain exposed toes.
Communication Question:
Question:
I have a very strong accent which gets more pronounced when I am on the phone or when I am unsure of myself. Do you any suggestions on how to manage my accent when I get nervous?
Answer: Preparation is critical to controlling nervousness. Before any conference, write out your answers and have them in front of you for the meeting. Put slash marks between certain words for pace.
Also, there is a website, Write-it-Out Loud.com, that contains some wonderful tongue twisters to help you practice.
Presence Question:
Question:
I keep getting told my breath is unacceptable. Mouthwashes, mints and Listerine strips seem to help, but only temporarily. Do you have any suggestions for this problem besides going to the dentist?
Answer:
Going to the dentist is my number one solution; you may have issues with your gums. Until then, keep away from foods with heavy odors, seasonings (garlic is an example). Stale coffee breath is another example. Brush your teeth, if possible, after you eat and then try a non-scented mouthwash. Heavy-minted mouthwash can also cause bad mouth smells.
The Art of Business and Social Interaction®
Question:
I attend meetings with senior leadership often who wear very heavy colognes. It causes some of us to gag. How can we say something to these folks?
Answer:
Unless you are very close to these folks, I would not say anything to them. You can ask if that is a new cologne, but in private only. This might give them a hint. If not, ask HR to step in.