You Have to Look the Part before You Get the Part
How does a leader influence and motivate ? While certainly what the leader does and how the leader acts is a huge component of how the leader is able to move others to action , their actions are actually secondary in importance . The first component involves how the leader is perceived by those who are supposed to follow . Studies have shown that a team first evaluates a purported leader ’ s ability to meet the expectations of the team ’ s idea of what a leader should be . The team must first see a leader as a leader . This could entail the literal appearance of the person---their stature , dress , speech , presence and affect . The more a leader represents the team ’ s leader prototype , the easier it is for the team to recognize and categorize the leader as a leader . When a leader meets the team ’ s expectations of how a leader should look and act , the leader will have greater acceptance . Conversely , a leader has to overcome the team ’ s perceptions when he or she does not fit the profile .
It may not be fair , but it is true : we all have preconceived notions of what a leader should look like . We expect certain behaviors . We expect certain characteristics . We expect them to interact with us a certain way . There are all these expectations that every person must meet before they do anything . In short , appearance does matter .
Do you fit the prototype of a leader ? Do you even know what that prototype should be ? How far are you from the expectations ? When you aspire to be a leader , you must begin you ’ re your “ leadership presence .” Do you exhibit the demeanor of someone who can command respect and inspire action ? Are you carrying yourself in way where people can actually see you in a leadership position ? If you wish to be a CEO , carry yourself like a CEO . Speak like one . Act like one . Walk like one . I don ’ t mean to carry on airs or be pretentious , but live and think as if you believe that it is possible .
Leadership also involves effective packaging . How are you put together ? What does your dress and appearance to others ? You need to look the part . Look at people who are in positions you wish to have . Look to their dress and appearance as an example . You don ’ t need to be a carbon-copy by any means , but you want to look as if you are in the same category .
Conversely , you don ’ t want your dress and appearance to detract from your capabilities . Always focus on increasing your ability to be taken seriously . Think about the impression that you want to make on others . What do you want them to think of when they see you coming ? Your fashion choices should work for you not against you . You can bring your personality into your fashion , but do so in a deliberate way where you are certain that it will add to your credibility rather than take away from it .
Appearance and dress are only the beginning . You have to back up the appearance with substance . Not only must you possess leadership characteristics and demeanor , but you must deliver leadership performance .
So what does your appearance do for you ? Do you look the part ? Is your fashion facilitating your fall or pushing your promotion ?
Remember , when you want to be a leader , all eyes are on you !