Whether it is your appearance, communications or behavior, dependability is a critical factor in how you are perceived. People begin to trust you when they can count on your consistency. This does not mean you cannot change they way you look or sound but the difference must be not too far astray from your core.

For example, many times people will comment when you change your appearance, whether it is an update or a complete hair style change. Usually the comments are positive. What gets us in trouble is when the alterations are not seamless to your brand, the industry culture or the environment.

In fact, there are many folks who have been successful in business because their image has not changed or become dated. An example of this is Apple’s, Steve Jobs. His black turtleneck or T has been the same for 20 plus years.

Do not become one of the bad examples of misguided brand or image changes. Dependable, image conscious communication and behavior is the strongest example of true professionalism and in developing personal relationships.

What is it we need to do earn a vote of confidence from our audience? It is how we look, sound or is it what we say? Do actions count or is it an emotional reaction that instills confidence?

Today, the time we spend with folks is very limited so each interaction must count. Stephen Covey says we must invest in relationships like a bank making deposits so when you need to withdraw funds are available.

How we talk and act on what we say consistently begins to build confidence with those we have relationships with in all areas of business and life. When we do this in every interaction, we will have the confidence of our audience 90% of the time.

We know all cotton fabrics wrinkle. Some, like linen, wrinkle more than others. So, we know when wearing linen our clothing will look wrinkled. However, there is no excuse for wearing wrinkled clothing that got that way because of carelessness in taking of it.

Here are some easy tips for keeping clothing wrinkle free:

• Keep items on an hanger.
• Allow clothing to hang loosely in your closet.
• Buy a wrinkle free fabric spray such as Travel Wrinkle Remover and Fabric Refresher by Austin House.
• Hang clothing in bathroom during a shower. Steam removes wrinkles.

These tips will help you remain at least 80% wrinkle free.

Wrinkled clothing shows lack of polish which is not the image we want to present.

How many of us ever see our back? Today I rode up an escalator and looked at several backs. This is what I saw:

Pants too tight
Skirts too short
Shirts half tucked in
Worn heels on both men and women
Cracked heels of folks wearing backless shoes
Bra straps showing
Matted hair
Half-dyed heads of hair (mostly around the crown of the head)

To ensure you are not one of these folks, keep the following in mind: Always look behind yourself in a full length mirror. If you don’t have one, consider purchasing one. Or have someone in your household give you a quick look over.

Looking good includes a good looking back.

The Wall Street Journal, July 7th “Keeping Your Foot Away From Your Mouth” piece,is about recent gaffes by the CEO of BP and Michelle Obama. Mishaps like these have a viral shelf life that never fades especially if they come from a notable person. “Miss-speaks” always seem to make for a press worthy situation.

Some words of caution. When you’re in a very volatile situation work from a script you can share among colleagues or a communication coach. Practice hearing yourself verbalize it at least three times. If there is a policy involved, get your statement approved by the appropriate personnel. I really believe that 90% of time gaffes are an innocent mistake.

So, get in the mental habit of practicing your talking points. It will help prevent you from using a poor choice of words at the worst possible time.

It is a challenge to remain upbeat after constantly reading about the unemployment rate and other negative news about the job market. Keeping a positive attitude is critical.

Four approaches may help you with this:

• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Maintain a balance between bad and good news.
• Keep current with your job skills (Stephen Covey’s habit about always sharpening one’s saw is critical; never become complacent in your professional development).
• Be grateful for what you do have.

A great story was recently in the New York Times
(http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/nyregion/04soldier.html) about Brendan Marrocco. He recovered from losing both his arms and legs.

This article highlights the four approaches above in a real life situation. One amazing aspect of Brendan’s recovery is his strong mental attitude while he worked on preparing his body for prosthetics and an arm transplant. Brendan’s positive attitude sets an example of why we all need to do the same.

The dialog continues about the five generations in the work place and how each group possesses certain tendencies that set them apart. At times, the differences can cause unrest and friction in the office or factory. However, I believe the generations can learn from each other.

The one trait I admire the most is how the Millennials view camaraderie and collaboration as being critical to their success. They also value:

• Friendship
• Idea Sharing
• Trust
• A non-judgmental approach

Recently, I watched a group of Millennials work together for a week serving three meals a day and cleaning up for a group of 50. My observations suggested that they were happy to share responsibility and operate as a cohesive work group.

I also experienced this last year when I was interviewed for an article for a major university. The writer had several of her writer-friends review and edit the piece. I wondered if members of another generation would have done taken that approach.

Today, we have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from each other. And while each generation might view the world differently, we can all still join together to create a harmonious work and social environment.

Skirts are back this year in a very big way. Colors and patterns are more fashionable than ever. The question that comes up on a regular basis is how short and how long are considered acceptable?

These are the simple guidelines:

• A short skirt is never more than three inches above the knee. This is the acceptable rule of thumb for business.
• Straight skirts worn for business look best slightly above the knee.
• Use your judgment with straight skirts worn for casual use. Don’t allow your short skirt to be the first thing that is noticed.
• Long skirts for business can cause you to appear matronly unless you look like Catherine Zeta-Jones
• Long skirts are best worn with boots for a smart look.
• Long skirts worn for casual use, especially the flowing ones, look best with sandals.

You will always look smart and fashionable when you wear a skirt according to these guidelines.

Recently, Sara Lee’s CEO disclosed she had a stroke. The controversy is whether Brenda Barnes should have released this information sooner rather than later. We understand she has a commitment to the board of directors, her employees and stock holders because of her high profile status, but what should the average employee disclose?

It is important to be upfront if you have a long term illness especially if you know it will affect your ability to do the required work. But to be on the safe side, you might want to check with your HR department for guidance.

When disclosing personal health issues stick with the facts. Be careful not to put too much of an emotional burden on the person with whom you are sharing the information. Always thank them for their support. When you do this they will usually be more than willing to support you through a difficult time.

Civility is sometimes neglected due to the stress of work and life responsibilities. Sometimes we make comments that were never meant to be heard. We throw off looks that project dark thoughts.

I am always impressed when folks take the time to be sensitive to those around them. Here are some examples:

• Allowing someone with only a few items who is behind you at a checkout line, to go ahead of you.
• Letting a car in front of you who missed a parking spot, back up and try again.
• Working for a boss who takes over when you are on deadline but need to go home early because of a sick child.
• Smiling when someone gives you a stern look.
• Being offered money to make up the difference when you are at the checkout and discover you don’t have enough cash.
• Calling someone by an incorrect name and the way you are corrected is to be gently reminded of the actual name.

The reason I recognize sensitivity is because these experiences have happened to me.