The Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, January 11, 2011, featured Nicolas Cage’s ever-changing hairstyles from his nearly 70 titles. They range from Peggy Sue Got Married (1986) to The Season of the Witch (2011) which is set in the 14th Century (with shoulder length hair appropriate for the times!). His hairstyles set the tone for each character he plays.

What’s fascinating today is the rapid pace of change in hairstyles for all men, not just for actors. In fact, hair has become the trendy image setter for men much as it is for women.

No longer is the traditional hairstyle the only acceptable one for men. The key, though, is for men to make sure the hairstyle remains in synch with his lifestyle, stays age appropriate and accents clothing choices. If a man can pull that off, his hairstyle will be the crowning touch around his sense of style.

The jacket (blazer) continues its resurgence each year among business casual attire. It still represents authority and professionalism.

Here are some nuances to be aware of when you decide how to choose your jacket and the impact you want to create with it.

Fabric:
• Tightly woven material – authoritative
• Soft knit – casual
• Nubby knit – very casual

Style:
• Notched collars- lapels or one, two or three buttons – authoritative
• Shaw collar – casual except in formal wear
• Usual collar style or collarless – neutral

Color
• Dark color – authoritative
• Light color – casual
• Bright and dramatic colors – tends be have more authoritative

Understanding these messages will help you decide how to control the “first impression” in creating the impact you desire when choosing a jacket to wear.

All of us have experienced situations when those we trusted have disappointed us not once but several times. The most difficult thing to do is let the individual know how you feel without it sounding like you are just venting. You want to have a crucial conversation that is inclusive and if possible, produces some resolution.

Here are some tips to ensure your conversation is productive:

• Have the conversation only when both parties are calm
• Never bring up the past situations, only present ones
• Practice the points you want to cover in front of mirror
• Never interrupt
• Realize that sometimes it comes down to both of you agreeing to disagree

Keeping these points in mind when you have a conversation will help your dialog go beyond the realm of rant and into an inclusive crucial conversation.

A recent New York Times article indicates color is in again. Black and other dark shades like blackberry, charcoal, and chocolate brown are slowly giving way to color.

Pantone’s color of the year choice is honeysuckle, the rosy-meets-magenta hue. Visit http://www.pantone.com to see the actual color. It is vibrant and an attention getter.

This rosy magenta is a very strong color so use it wisely:
• For men: Wear it in a tie or shirt – never in a jacket or pair of slacks
• For women: Wear in a blouse, sweater or piece of jewelry.

Never use it in a full outfit unless you are wearing a formal gown or intimate wear. The color will look best around your face if you have dark hair and a light complexion.

So to ensure you are stylish and elegant – put a bit of Honeysuckle in your wardrobe for 2011.

It is hard not to be tempted by all the great food and drinks at festive holiday parties. We all want to be sociable when attending them, especially the ones in private homes where the hosts have spent many hours planning menus.

Here are some tips on how to conceal an expanding waistline.

• For women, bring attention to your face by making sure your hairstyle, makeup and accessories are the current style and look great. Men should wear a great tie (no rep stripes).
• Color should be worn on the top half of your body
• Avoid bulky sweaters and jackets
• Women – no leggings with short top
• Men – no heavy sweaters
• No prints or materials that are too sparkly

Remember these few tips when putting your outfits together and you will always look slim during the holidays.

During the holiday season we will all get invited to multiple events where food will be in abundance. The goal is to network and strengthen relationships while just sampling all the holiday eats.

So, here are some rules to follow:

• Eat before you attend
• Keep one hand free to shake
• Never take anything you cannot eat in one bite
• Never eat anything that causes sticky hands
• Drink only one class of wine

Remember these key strategies and you will continue to strengthen your relationships while maintaining your waistline!

Happy Holidays!

During the holiday season we want to thank those who have been significant factors in our professional life. Sometimes a well written thank you note is enough.

Here are some suggestions you may want to consider if you want to go one step further:

• A donation to a favorite charity in their name
• A CD of music (current poplar choice)
• A DVD of an old classic (best for suited for women)
• Hosting a function that combines networking and fun such as an indoor golf event or a spa night for women only

The most important thing to remember is that the gift is more than just the thought. It makes the recipient feel special because you have acknowledged that he or she has been significant in your life.

Often, I hear the comment that employees who possess executive presence are promoted. Conversely, I will also hear of another individual who did not get to the next level because of a lack of executive presence.

What does it mean when someone has executive presence?

Senior management sees this person as someone who appropriately represents the company, has a presence consistent with the company brand, and is one who can communicate effectively with anyone. Part of this is the ability to cultivate and demonstrate leadership skills.

Appearance (clothes, grooming, body language) make up some but not all of executive presence. Communication skills such as being able to present ideas, whether in a large or small group, in a succinct manner are a critical part of executive presence. In addition to selling ideas, it is necessary to be inclusive to all.

So do you have executive presence?

An easy way to obtain a hint is to ask five people to give you three words that best represent you as a professional. Then examine those fifteen words. Do they include words or phrases that add up to executive presence? If not, then take it as an opportunity to develop the presence you desire.

Up until the late eighties, changes in men’s hairstyles and clothing were very slow in coming. In fact, it used to take about eight years for a dramatic change to occur in the color and cuts of men’s clothing. The same with hairstyles for all age groups. The young adults had either crew cuts or very long hair (for the artistic and possibly the rebel look).

Now changes come quickly. Males between the ages of six to the mid- forties, wear the mildly spiked hair to the bowl cut over the eyes. The looks range from Tom Cruise to Justin Bieber and everyone in-between.

In Japan, the young males under 30 have very dramatic cuts, while those over 40 wear the conservative, traditional styles.

In the professional venue, it has also changed. The traditional hairstyle is still more acceptable but you are seeing more variations of it than before.

My comment to all of this is that your hairstyle should compliment your face and not strive to be your only noticeable feature.

If you take this approach, you will always be smart and in style.

In Japan’s “The Daily Yomiuri” The Language Connection, November 2, it talks about privacy and the key factor of what determines self-disclosure in personal situations.

When do you share items like divorce or deaths in families?

Behavioral scientists Joanna Schug, Maskai Yuki and William Maddusx suggest that “relational mobility” is a key factor in determining the role of self-disclosure in strengthening relationships. In research, it was found that American students were more apt to share personal information. They felt it was a key to strengthening relationships. The Japanese students thought it might be the opposite.

Americans felt their relationships were less strong when there were concealments of major events. The Japansese thought too much self-disclosure might place a burden on the relationship.

For example, when does one share pregnancy in the family or an engagement to be married? Especially, when is that done in the workplace where you are trying to build relationships?

The critical thing is understanding the culture of the individual and the organization. Then you will understand what is appropriate and when you can share personal insights in order to build relationships. This sensitivity will help you be successful with long-term professional and personal connections.