Business Talk

I'm sure everyone has seen high powered executives and directors of your company walking around at some point. What image do they project? What sets them apart from the office clerk sitting at a desk barely 50 meters away?

Most times the first thing we notice is the way they carry themselves,the way they relate to others around them. They just seem to radiate that aura of confidence and poise. Your imagination? Most definitely not.

In today's world of high powered corporations moving up the ladder relies on more than simply doing your job well; that just isn't enough anymore. Having the right image and people skills are a must have for those intending to scale the peaks of the corporate world.

For starters , speaking clearly and projecting your voice without shouting projects confidence. In fact, the best way to learn the fine art of good body language is to observe someone when they are feeling down, they sit with a hunched over posture , with their head drooping down. Pay attention to these and other body signals such as fidgeting and tapping your feet to ensure that these are not the messages you are sending!

Learning which topics are acceptable with different crowds in the office will also go a long way to establishing your reputation as a confident , intelligent worker. While it may be common practice to share your weekend partying activities with your friends , refrain from doing so at the office. It makes you look unreliable and unprofessional. Instead stick to safer generic topics such as the latest movies, sports etc. Remember, when in doubt answer with honesty. People will appreciate it and you avoid coming across as a know-it-all.

While we are on the topic of personal grooming , ensure that you look smart. When going to the office it is always best to err on the side of caution, bear in mind that your personal image should be one of a smart attentive worker. So for example, if you have long hair , don't let it cover your eyes - it projects sleepiness and inactivity.

Also, one of the most common dressing mistakes I frequently see is men wearing white socks with their business wear. White socks for the gym , dark colored ones for the office please! The rational behind this is that white socks make you look like a school boy or just plain weird; not the image you want to project to your boss.

In conclusion , if you want to one day be the person sitting in that director's chair master the fine art of grooming and etiquette and you are halfway there. Just don't be surprised when people start mistaking you for a director!