Journal, May 2004 -'Management Today':
STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE?

I guess it should be a matter of substance over style, but it bothers me that one of our senior women is disinclined to wear makeup. I don't think I'm being sexist about this to me, it's the same as poor grooming in a man. Am I wrong I feel this way?

No, you're not being shallow, says consultant- J. Chivers, like it or not, clients do make judgments about people- men and women - based on their appearance.

'Image is not just a one dimensional thing, it's about the way we perceive other people, it's not a question whether we think someone looks good or not it's a question of what message is being sent, what meaning are we taking from that persons actions?

'The meaning I would take from someone who doesn't present themselves as well as they possibly could is that they may want to cut corners in other areas as well, when someone doesn't pay attentions to the details when is comes to personal grooming we often make an assumption- rightly or wrongly, and subconsciously- that they may not pay attention to other details'

'Unfortunately that assumption may be made more readily about women, but men too need to consider their appearance if they want first impressions to be positive ones.'

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