Extract from Chapter 10 –
An interview with the prominent image
consultant, Irene Nathan.
 “…
someone might say to me that they are looking to project
more gravitas. Everyone has substance, but sometimes,
when they are in a new situation, they may feel vulnerable
and this can show.
Often people like this will be high achievers, but they
do not place a high value on what they have accomplished.
If I can help them to value themselves more, then the
gravitas tends to follow, and clothing is really a thin
decorative veneer on the solid wood of self-esteem.
It is this change in self-esteem, which really delivers
the image change. I can’t make someone acquire
self respect, but I can be persevering and tolerant
enough to help them find things in themselves of worth
and value so they are able to project in a confident
manner."
|
|
Irene’s advice on casual versus
formal dress is very specific.
“The important thing is not to look sloppy
or incomplete. People think, whether consciously or
otherwise, that your sloppiness may well translate
into other areas of your work. Similarly, always look
current – if you appear to be out of date in
your dress, they might think that also applies to
your thinking.
Do not overdress or under-dress – always choose
appropriate dress, and when the culture demands casual
dress, go for smart casual, avoiding any suspicion
of that sloppiness mentioned earlier. You are aiming,
as far as possible, to look like yourself, as a business
professional.”
|
©
Avenue Management 2003, all rights reserved. Email:
consultant@avenuemail.com
• Phone: 01494 482041 •
Fax: 01494 482231 
