Chapter Eleven Developing a Professional Presence
Chapter Preview: Developing a Professional Presence Importance of professional presence Favorable first impressions The image you project to others Choice of clothing for work Manners and interpersonal relations at work
Professional Presence A dynamic blend of poise, self-confidence, control and style Empowers us to be able to command respect in any situation Permits us to project confidence that others can quickly perceive Permits us to rise above the crowd
Professional Presence Can’t be superficial  Requires principles including: Service (making a contribution) Integrity and honesty (foundation of trust) Human dignity (every person has worth) Fairness (justice for all)
Making a Good Impression First impressions are lasting ones First impressions are the first step in building a long-term relationship It is not just first contacts with clients, patients, customers, and others that are important Positive impressions should be the objective of every contact
The Primacy Effect The tendency to form impressions quickly at the time of initial meeting Later information is either ignored or reinterpreted based on initial framework First impressions represent 100% of what they know about you at that point
The First Few Seconds Gladwell’s appearance had lasting implications Our thinking is not always rational Decisions happen subconsciously in a split second
Total Person Insight Books are judged by their covers, houses are appraised by their curb appeal, and people are initially evaluated on how they choose to dress and behave. In a perfect world this is not fair, moral, or just. What’s inside should count a great deal more. And eventually it usually does, but not right away. In the meantime, a lot of opportunities can be lost. Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice Authors,  The New Professional Image
Assumptions Versus Facts Initial impressions are made up of assumptions and facts Often reliance on assumptions based on nonverbal communication The briefer the encounter, the greater the chance for misinformation Emotional focus should be on the other person
Cultural Influence Stereotypes of entire groups can be formed during early years Cultural differences can be subtle Organizations today Attempt to create a new kind of workplace where cultural and ethnic differences are treated as assets Find it more difficult to develop policies that do not offend one ethnic group or another
The Image You Project Image describes how other people feel about you Behaviors that communicate a mental picture that others observe and remember The image you project is like a picture puzzle that is formed by a variety of factors
Figure 11.1 - Major Factors That Form Your Image
Surface Language A pattern of immediate impressions conveyed by appearance Clothing Hairstyle Fragrance Jewelry Clothing is particularly important
Surface Language More relaxed dress code in recent years Things that have not changed If you want the job, look the part If you want the promotion, look promotable If you want respect, dress as well or better than industry standards
Selecting Career Apparel Special uniforms for particular jobs Project an image of  consistent quality good service uniqueness Uniforms can enhance company cohesiveness and add to company spirit
Wardrobe Engineering Describes how clothing and accessories can create a certain image Effective packaging is an individual matter based on the person’s  circumstances age weight height coloring objectives
Table 11.1
The Business Casual Look Slacks Khaki pants Collared shirts or blouses Shoes with socks Jeans T-shirts Shorts Sneakers Sandals Usually includes Usually excludes
Typical Casual-Dress Guidelines Movement toward emphasis on greater comfort and individuality Wear dressier business clothing when meeting with customers or clients Respect the boundary between work and leisure clothing Wear clothing that is clean and neat and that fits well
Your Facial Expression After overall appearance, it is the most visible part of you Provides clues to identify the inner feelings of another Strongly influence people’s reactions to each other A smile is most recognizable signal in the world
Your Entrance and Carriage The way you enter an office or business meeting can influence the image you project If you feel apprehensive, try not to let it show Project self-confidence with  a strong stride a friendly smile  good posture a genuine sense of energy
Your Voice Quality and Speech Habits Qualities that contribute to your image Tone of voice  Rate of speech (tempo) Volume  Ability to pronounce (diction) Avoid… Too nasal - Too high-pitched Too weak - Too insincere Monotone - Too loud Strong accent
Your Voice Cultural and racial differences are sometimes detectable in our voices and dialects The best rule is to be yourself; communicate well and be understood
Your Handshake A friendly and professional way to greet someone Can communicate warmth or indifference Might be the only physical contact between people A skill that can be improved
Your Handshake The message the handshake sends depends on several factors Degree of firmness Degree of dryness of hands Duration of grip Depth of interlock Eye contact during handshake
Etiquette for a Changing World Etiquette is a set of traditions based on kindness, efficiency and logic Sometimes called manners or protocol Universal passport to positive relationships and respect Avoid behavior that might be offensive
Dining Etiquette Business meetings often conducted at meals Pay attention to table manners Order food that is easily controlled and is not messy
Meeting Etiquette Start and end on time Always start and end the meeting on a positive note Speak to the topic Don’t speak unnecessarily Summarize and recap responsibilities
Cell Phone Etiquette Do not use at business meetings, in elevators, or in restaurants Talk in a normal speaking voice Ask cell users who disturb you to take the call in private
Conversational Etiquette Don’t be too informal, too fast Avoid foul language Avoid other sensitive terms or expressions
Networking Etiquette When meeting people at an event, tell them your name and what you do Avoid negative talk Follow up with contacts Send a written thank you note if someone has been helpful to you
Total Person Insight In a society as ridden as ours with expensive status symbols, where every purchase is considered a social statement, there is no easier or cheaper way to distinguish oneself than by the practice of gentle manners. Judith Martin Author
Incivility — The Ultimate Career Killer Civility is the sum of the many sacrifices we are called to make for the sake of living together Civility is under siege in our society  Small gestures can improve civility and enhance your career, such as Saying "Please" and "Thank you"  Opening doors for others Treating coworkers with dignity and respect
Professional Presence and Job Interview Communicate the image that you are someone that is conscientious Be prepared Visit the place of business beforehand Observe the people already working there Dress up one step in terms of professional appearance Show that you care enough to make a good impression
Chapter Review Importance of professional presence A dynamic blend of praise, self-confidence, control and style It permits you to be perceived as self-assured and competent These qualities are quickly perceived the first time someone meets you
Chapter Review Favorable first impressions  People form impressions of others quickly at the first meeting First impressions tend to be preserved The impression you form of another person is made up of assumptions and facts Assumptions are based on surface language conveyed by appearance Your verbal messages influence the impression you make
Chapter Review The image you project to others Image is how other people feel about you Your behaviors and appearance communicate a mental picture that others observe and remember The picture determines how they react to you
Chapter Review The image you project to others Image is formed by Facial Expression Self-confidence Voice Integrity Entrance & Carriage Manners Handshake Surface language Competence Positive attitude
Chapter Review Choice of clothing for work Discrimination on the basis of appearance is a fact of life Clothing is an important part of image Factors that influence choice of clothing for work: The products or services offered The type of person served The desired image of the organization The region where you work
Chapter Review Manners and interpersonal relations at work Manners, etiquette, or protocol is a set of traditions based on kindness, efficiency, and logic Proper etiquette Dinning Meeting Cell phone Conversational Networking

BA 15 Chapter 11

  • 1.
    Chapter Eleven Developinga Professional Presence
  • 2.
    Chapter Preview: Developinga Professional Presence Importance of professional presence Favorable first impressions The image you project to others Choice of clothing for work Manners and interpersonal relations at work
  • 3.
    Professional Presence Adynamic blend of poise, self-confidence, control and style Empowers us to be able to command respect in any situation Permits us to project confidence that others can quickly perceive Permits us to rise above the crowd
  • 4.
    Professional Presence Can’tbe superficial Requires principles including: Service (making a contribution) Integrity and honesty (foundation of trust) Human dignity (every person has worth) Fairness (justice for all)
  • 5.
    Making a GoodImpression First impressions are lasting ones First impressions are the first step in building a long-term relationship It is not just first contacts with clients, patients, customers, and others that are important Positive impressions should be the objective of every contact
  • 6.
    The Primacy EffectThe tendency to form impressions quickly at the time of initial meeting Later information is either ignored or reinterpreted based on initial framework First impressions represent 100% of what they know about you at that point
  • 7.
    The First FewSeconds Gladwell’s appearance had lasting implications Our thinking is not always rational Decisions happen subconsciously in a split second
  • 8.
    Total Person InsightBooks are judged by their covers, houses are appraised by their curb appeal, and people are initially evaluated on how they choose to dress and behave. In a perfect world this is not fair, moral, or just. What’s inside should count a great deal more. And eventually it usually does, but not right away. In the meantime, a lot of opportunities can be lost. Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice Authors, The New Professional Image
  • 9.
    Assumptions Versus FactsInitial impressions are made up of assumptions and facts Often reliance on assumptions based on nonverbal communication The briefer the encounter, the greater the chance for misinformation Emotional focus should be on the other person
  • 10.
    Cultural Influence Stereotypesof entire groups can be formed during early years Cultural differences can be subtle Organizations today Attempt to create a new kind of workplace where cultural and ethnic differences are treated as assets Find it more difficult to develop policies that do not offend one ethnic group or another
  • 11.
    The Image YouProject Image describes how other people feel about you Behaviors that communicate a mental picture that others observe and remember The image you project is like a picture puzzle that is formed by a variety of factors
  • 12.
    Figure 11.1 -Major Factors That Form Your Image
  • 13.
    Surface Language Apattern of immediate impressions conveyed by appearance Clothing Hairstyle Fragrance Jewelry Clothing is particularly important
  • 14.
    Surface Language Morerelaxed dress code in recent years Things that have not changed If you want the job, look the part If you want the promotion, look promotable If you want respect, dress as well or better than industry standards
  • 15.
    Selecting Career ApparelSpecial uniforms for particular jobs Project an image of consistent quality good service uniqueness Uniforms can enhance company cohesiveness and add to company spirit
  • 16.
    Wardrobe Engineering Describeshow clothing and accessories can create a certain image Effective packaging is an individual matter based on the person’s circumstances age weight height coloring objectives
  • 17.
  • 18.
    The Business CasualLook Slacks Khaki pants Collared shirts or blouses Shoes with socks Jeans T-shirts Shorts Sneakers Sandals Usually includes Usually excludes
  • 19.
    Typical Casual-Dress GuidelinesMovement toward emphasis on greater comfort and individuality Wear dressier business clothing when meeting with customers or clients Respect the boundary between work and leisure clothing Wear clothing that is clean and neat and that fits well
  • 20.
    Your Facial ExpressionAfter overall appearance, it is the most visible part of you Provides clues to identify the inner feelings of another Strongly influence people’s reactions to each other A smile is most recognizable signal in the world
  • 21.
    Your Entrance andCarriage The way you enter an office or business meeting can influence the image you project If you feel apprehensive, try not to let it show Project self-confidence with a strong stride a friendly smile good posture a genuine sense of energy
  • 22.
    Your Voice Qualityand Speech Habits Qualities that contribute to your image Tone of voice Rate of speech (tempo) Volume Ability to pronounce (diction) Avoid… Too nasal - Too high-pitched Too weak - Too insincere Monotone - Too loud Strong accent
  • 23.
    Your Voice Culturaland racial differences are sometimes detectable in our voices and dialects The best rule is to be yourself; communicate well and be understood
  • 24.
    Your Handshake Afriendly and professional way to greet someone Can communicate warmth or indifference Might be the only physical contact between people A skill that can be improved
  • 25.
    Your Handshake Themessage the handshake sends depends on several factors Degree of firmness Degree of dryness of hands Duration of grip Depth of interlock Eye contact during handshake
  • 26.
    Etiquette for aChanging World Etiquette is a set of traditions based on kindness, efficiency and logic Sometimes called manners or protocol Universal passport to positive relationships and respect Avoid behavior that might be offensive
  • 27.
    Dining Etiquette Businessmeetings often conducted at meals Pay attention to table manners Order food that is easily controlled and is not messy
  • 28.
    Meeting Etiquette Startand end on time Always start and end the meeting on a positive note Speak to the topic Don’t speak unnecessarily Summarize and recap responsibilities
  • 29.
    Cell Phone EtiquetteDo not use at business meetings, in elevators, or in restaurants Talk in a normal speaking voice Ask cell users who disturb you to take the call in private
  • 30.
    Conversational Etiquette Don’tbe too informal, too fast Avoid foul language Avoid other sensitive terms or expressions
  • 31.
    Networking Etiquette Whenmeeting people at an event, tell them your name and what you do Avoid negative talk Follow up with contacts Send a written thank you note if someone has been helpful to you
  • 32.
    Total Person InsightIn a society as ridden as ours with expensive status symbols, where every purchase is considered a social statement, there is no easier or cheaper way to distinguish oneself than by the practice of gentle manners. Judith Martin Author
  • 33.
    Incivility — TheUltimate Career Killer Civility is the sum of the many sacrifices we are called to make for the sake of living together Civility is under siege in our society Small gestures can improve civility and enhance your career, such as Saying "Please" and "Thank you" Opening doors for others Treating coworkers with dignity and respect
  • 34.
    Professional Presence andJob Interview Communicate the image that you are someone that is conscientious Be prepared Visit the place of business beforehand Observe the people already working there Dress up one step in terms of professional appearance Show that you care enough to make a good impression
  • 35.
    Chapter Review Importanceof professional presence A dynamic blend of praise, self-confidence, control and style It permits you to be perceived as self-assured and competent These qualities are quickly perceived the first time someone meets you
  • 36.
    Chapter Review Favorablefirst impressions People form impressions of others quickly at the first meeting First impressions tend to be preserved The impression you form of another person is made up of assumptions and facts Assumptions are based on surface language conveyed by appearance Your verbal messages influence the impression you make
  • 37.
    Chapter Review Theimage you project to others Image is how other people feel about you Your behaviors and appearance communicate a mental picture that others observe and remember The picture determines how they react to you
  • 38.
    Chapter Review Theimage you project to others Image is formed by Facial Expression Self-confidence Voice Integrity Entrance & Carriage Manners Handshake Surface language Competence Positive attitude
  • 39.
    Chapter Review Choiceof clothing for work Discrimination on the basis of appearance is a fact of life Clothing is an important part of image Factors that influence choice of clothing for work: The products or services offered The type of person served The desired image of the organization The region where you work
  • 40.
    Chapter Review Mannersand interpersonal relations at work Manners, etiquette, or protocol is a set of traditions based on kindness, efficiency, and logic Proper etiquette Dinning Meeting Cell phone Conversational Networking