The recent announcement of Lonnie G. Bunch III as the next Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution reminded me of a recent Chicago Tribune article where he was quoted saying politics can be a good thing.

Lonnie mentioned the way he could bring together all the folks to ensure the success of the Chicago History Museum. Successful leaders understand that everyone working together on goals pushes projects forward – long term.

I found out later in life it how much it matters to like, and even be passionate about what one is involved in. It seems that earlier in life earning a living was the first goal…to pay bills and still be left with some freedom to live a life that matters.

In my travels, I like and enjoy being around people that make a difference and demonstrate similar values to mine. It is especially important because when we hit a bump in the road, the passion and joy of the work will push us through it.

There are many books that focus on the importance of passion. Some simple exercises to discover what you may be passionate about include journaling and taking a pause to reflect about a moment that brings you a feeling of a brilliance. It is like when athletes say they were in “the zone”. It worked for me.

Color can be used in full force if the style and cut of the clothing item works. You can even wear the same color top to bottom!

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady has been on a whirlwind. 99% of the time she wears a suit (Yes!) in an array of colors from a metallic cyan-hue suit to a multicolor strip golden suit. Material chosen, cut, and styled, plays a major role in expressing a powerful statement with color. It also needs to be the right occasion.

Her stage presence has always been as a dynamo!  This includes her book tour presence which has been a showstopper and fun to watch. Her suit colors and choices accent her brilliance.

Stephen Covey always advocated a reputation as capital. You expand it by investing in it. Delivering on promises and being accountable to others in a commitment means growing your capital.

Developing relationships and giving back to those relationships are a few other ways to keep banking capital. Strong capital results in job promotions or being favorably considered in a reorganization.  Capital is like having money in the bank when a withdrawal is necessary.

How many times have we tried to reach a customer service person on the phone but instead of getting a person, an automatic system responds with a long list of numbers to call? In appreciation to all the companies that offer this, we like the ones that make it simple after you hit the correct number! The companies that do well with the first customer service contact, usually put an efficient, inclusive agent on the phone that wants to help get the problem resolved.

When working with clients or others to solve a problem, resolve the issue so that everyone leaves with a sense of closure. This burnishes a reputation of inclusiveness and competence.

Successful leaders bring people together especially when the issues are critical. The best leaders:

• Take the time to listen
• Stay open to possibilities
• Never gloat after a win
• Always give credit to others
• Strive for the win/win
• Tap into a team of advisors

In a recent Tribune article, a world traveler was asked how he engaged folks in foreign countries not speaking the language. He indicated that a smile and direct eye contact cuts through language barriers all across the world!

This is true whenever we meet folks we don’t know. Prior to even introducing yourself, the direct eye contact and a smile initiates the engagement. This goes for all situations including intense ones. The first contact propels the next step of engagement.

Fashion today breaks all the rules of traditional color and fit guidelines. From mixing colors on opposite ends of the color wheel to wide shoulders and pants legs for women and very narrow pants for men, how do you stay current and not look dated or matronly?

Chose a middle ground. Find a style that works for you in business and socially by following these five guidelines:

1. Feel comfortable
2. Find professional and social role models close to your age range
3. Review current garments you own that work within the first two guidelines
4. Experiment by shopping but not buying
5. Buy a complete outfit to mix, match, and work into your existing wardrobe

The last two years have trended toward lightly unshaven men’s faces. It began with actors, and then moved to younger men in the fashion and art field. In professional settings, beards and goatees are trending.

For years, Larry Ellison, now, the Chairman of Oracle, has worn a goatee. Facial hair kept neat and cut close to the face can look attractive. If you’re not sure how it looks on you, take a selfie and ask yourself – is this the look for me? Also, solicit an opinion from your partner.

The moment one walks in the door, before any words are spoken, folks will have decided unconsciously to remember or not remember you. Working with executives, they want to know: Do you represent the professional, personal, and the organizational brand well? Can you be a face of the organization?

To burnish your brand, Here are some items to keep in mind:
• Projecting confidence is number one. This includes the walk, posture, facial expression (smile), and a sense of where you are going.
• Clothing choices will connect you the audience through a choice of familiarity or for a shock effect.
• Elegance is a critical component.

Also, assume the audience will know nothing about you.