EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE even tap into your mental or academic offering . Personal image gives people a picture of who you are . How you follow the rules of etiquette and carry yourself projects the person you are and how you want to be remembered . One of the fundamental basics of etiquette is First Impressions . According to the oxford dictionary , impression is defined as : “ an idea , feeling , or opinion about something or someone ; especially one formed without conscious thought or based on little evidence .” First impressions are made subconsciously — before the conscious mind takes over . The way you walk , stand , sit , dress , wear your hair all creates a visual picture that either leaves a positive or negative impression . The world will judge you before you say a word , before you can introduce yourself and before you tell your own story . It is therefore important to always ensure that you portray yourself well . First impressions are often based on three aspects being ; Appearance , Confidence and Attitude . Often people will remember what they have seen as opposed to what they have heard . This explains why
55 % of appearance makes first impressions . Our image has a greater impact on how we are judged . It is important for one ’ s personal image to represent both their professional and social brands to allow potential business associates to have a true picture , before they commit themselves . Every organization is dependent on its employees to represent its brand and image . Organizations are constantly looking for individuals who have a track record of delivering results . As much as the confidence and self-presentation can take you halfway to the finish line , however , you need to have something to offer before you can accept the offer . Your results need to speak for you as well . Organizations hire people with most , if not all the above-mentioned attributes being talent , passion , positive winning attitude , hard work , and fortitude . These attributes combined with the latest technology lead to an ever evolving , stellar-performing world-class workforce . Be one of them ; be world-class .
While I have managed to navigate the career maze , I have observed that the higher you go up the corporate ladder , the more polished and refined you are expected to be . A fulfilling career can open doors to more opportunities that often take place in the social scene . As a seasoned employee , employer or whichever path you choose , you are somehow going to participate in other life events and activities outside your work environment . These could be intertwined to your work , however in a more social ground . These events and activities may include being a host or a guest , travelling within and outside the country , entertaining business associates and not forgetting the use of social media . Just like Business has its own rules of etiquette and Protocol , social settings also call for appropriate etiquette . It is essential to note that how you conduct yourself in the workplace as well as how you relate to work colleagues and customers not only plays a great role in advancing the objectives of your company but has huge implications on how you are perceived by even those outside the workplace and how they relate to you . The realization that etiquette and protocol apply to all aspects of our lives , both professionally and socially , dictates that we should invest in the acquisition of knowledge and skills in etiquette and protocol . Proper etiquette helps you to sail through the social scene graciously and effortlessly . You do not have to wonder about which “ glass to use for red wine ” or
Employee magazine SEPT - OCT 2021 32