How to Improve Your Appearance as a Business Leader
Appearances aren't crucial in many aspects of life. People tend to put it on a pedestal and exaggerate its importance. How you look determines how you feel; if you look good, you'll feel good. But it need not be the only thing that matters in life. People value other things more than appearance. Character and personality are among them.
In terms of business, however, appearances are everything - especially in business leadership. For men, even their choice of men's teeth whitening product can make a difference in perception. In the business world, appearance is just as important as body language. How you look can indicate how well you lead or how others perceive that you can.
When it comes to leadership, perception is important. How can you improve your appearance to improve the people's perception of you as a leader in business?
It's Not About You
If you start with the mindset that leadership is about results and that results come from the collaboration and cooperation of others, then you may think leadership is more about the followers and less about the leader.
That is false. No leader can achieve anything by themselves. They work with others to achieve their goals. Therefore, anything can do to positively impact the relationship between you (the leader) and the followers is important.
With that in mind, here are some things to consider when presenting yourself as a leader.
How to Improve Appearances for Business Leadership
Invest in Your Appearance
Take a look at yourself in the mirror and study your appearance. People have different habits when it comes to this activity; some look at their flaws while others admire themselves. Some people gain a pound and consider themselves as round while others believe their expanding waistline is normal. No matter what you think of yourself subjectively, always come up with objective observation.
How are you grooming yourself? How is your dress sense? If you expect people to follow you or partner with you, give them a reason to do so. Groom yourself. Dress smartly and neatly. Due to the current COVID-19 lockdown measures, everyone's working and attending meetings from home. Still, this doesn't mean you should attend a meeting in a plain shirt and shorts. Dress appropriately for the occasion, even from afar.
Also, take care of your body. A good diet and regular exercise are just as important as your appearance.
Mind Your Expressions
The face is the mirror to your soul. If you always reply with a snarl or frown a lot, people will avoid you. Whether you like it or not, facial expressions affect cognitive trust in the leader, as well as how others perceive your effectiveness as a leader. If your expressions are always negative, people will assume that you don't want to be bothered or that you're about to bite someone's head off.
Often, leaders have no idea how they look until someone, like a trusted advisor or an executive coach, calls them out. By that time, however, it's too late and the impression has been made. Instead of scaring your employees, lighten up. Before a meeting, take a deep breath, calm down and check yourself in the mirror.
Also, don't forget to smile. It will reduce the tension in your face.
Radiate Authority
The most charismatic of US presidents always turned heads and had people gravitate to them. John Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan - they all had movie-star appeal but remained approachable. They also practiced active listening. Clinton was famous for how he paid attention; his eyes would stay on the speaker, and he would occasionally cock his head to look as if he was genuinely interested. And he often was.
The best leaders have a radiant charm; they show that they listen. They can put themselves in the shoes of another person and make them feel as if they're the most important one in the room. It always helps to pause and chat with your subordinates, so they can see that you care.
Lead by Example
Looks are important, yes. But ultimately, what you do as a leader is equally important. So, if you want your followers to mind their appearance or improve their work ethic, you should do the same. People should see you do the heavy lifting. Be front and center with the projects. Be compassionate, too. If people need a break, treat them out. You don't have to buy them Starbucks' most expensive coffee. A simple treat will do.
Whether times are good are tough, the best leaders spend most of their time with their people. They may also take a public stance, serving as the company's voice to the outside world. If you want people to follow you, take the lead.
Appearances matter in business leadership. If you want people to follow you, you have to look AND act like a leader.