Sure, we’ll admit it. When it comes to the business world, looks aren’t everything. But they’re certainly worth something. Whether we want to admit it or not, the way we present ourselves at work leaves a lasting impression. To avoid shuffling you closer to the pink-slip line, follow these tips:
1. Make sure to brush your hair, trim your fingernails, and polish your shoes. Ignoring the details in your wardrobe pretty much screams that you ignore the details in your work.
2. Just because it’s “Casual Friday” doesn’t mean you should dress like a slob. Casual can — and should — still be neat and clean.
3. Go for understated elegance over flash. The same clothes that will get you free drinks at the bar will likely stick you in the cubicle next to Smelly Shelly if you try them at work.
4. Lay off the heavy perfume or cologne. A subtle, clean scent is fine, but anything more is bound to get somebody’s nose twitching. And remember, an extra spray will never make up for skipping the shower.
Balance of Power
Every couple has to find their own balance of power. Culture, religion and family upbringing as well as your own personalities all figure into the equation of shared power and control in your marriage. Some people have a high tolerance for large imbalances of power. Others don’t. Take Scott, a 45-year-old banker. He was raised in a family that fostered little respect for women. He married young and his wife of 8 years, Sandra, thought he was more experienced than she, so she accommodated his needs and accepted most of his decisions, hoping he would in turn learn to respect and admire her. The opposite occurred. She has a responsible job, is well respected, and sees from others around her that there’s something wrong in her relationship. One of the most common failures in a marriage is that one of the partners matures but the relationship doesn’t. With professional help this marriage could possibly be saved. They would need help in better adjusting the imbalance and allowing for closeness. More importantly, they would need to regain their mutual respect for each other.
Lisette Beraja, LMFT, has more than 10 years of experience counseling individuals, families and couples. She is the founder of Beraja Counseling Center and is a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator and an 11th Judicial Court approved Parenting Coordinator. To set up a consultation, call 305.858.7763 or visit BerajaCounseling.com.
Book Smart
Even if you think you’ve reached the epitome of success, there’s nowhere to go but up. Make sure to take the time to add these books to your summer reading list.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
In a world where sales are essential to the bottom line, this book by Og Madino gives a useful and touching perspective on how to make each move count.
The Magic Of Thinking Big
Author David J. Schwartz teaches seasoned and young professionals alike how to bring all of their professional dreams to life — while making them profitable.
Think & Grow Rich
If you need an extra nudge to make it big, flip through the chapters of this book by Napolean Hill to get inspired, no matter where you’re at in your career.
