People Treat You How You Dress
If you want people pay attention to you and respect you on a professional level then you must dress the part and wear career minded clothing.
Thanks, I appreciate the response. It's a tough situation but if we focus on the student impact it can become an easier one to handle.
Hi Theodora,
Tough situation for other faculty. The students enjoy being able to point out instructors that do no comply with the dress standards for the field and/or the college. I would suggest a visit with the campus administrator and explain how hard it is to maintain professional attitudes among the students as a result of the break down in professional demeanor. This way you aren't putting yourself in a position of trying to police your fellow faculty but you are trying to maintain a professional atmosphere.
Gary
I have a question for the group, so here's the lead-in: I work in a building were all of the students are required to attend classes in uniform, to maintain a professional appearance for their industry. Thus, not only is uniform required, but their hair must be pulled back, nails trimmed, no piercings or tattoos visible, minimal jewelry, etc. Most of our students understand and comply with these policies; however, some of our instructors do not. Their dress is professional, but their hairstyles or jewelry is not. What can be done to encourage these employees to follow the standards of their industry short of sending them home?
I couldn't agree with this more. I have worked in the automotive repair industry for the past seventeen years before stepping into the instructional side recently. During those years I spent in the field, I not only dressed but lived and acted as far removed from the public perception of a person who works on cars for a living. I wanted people who saw me walking down the street to think I did anything but work on their vehicles for a living. I did this simply for the reason that I did not fit that stereo-type.
I was going to post a similar statement. I find being a young instructor one of the best ways to gain credibility and respect is by dressing professional. By showing you take what you do seriously and are a professional you are setting a great example for students. You want students focused on learner the material not on what you are wearing.
Hi Patrick,
Right you are about professional dress. This is why it is so important for the instructor to reflect the proper dress in different settings. This way the students will have knowledge on how to "read" the different settings and present themselves properly in those settings.
Gary
Professional dress can also mean different things in different professions. What is considered “expected” by one profession might actually put you into an ostracized position in another. For example Animation vs. Fashion If one is working for an animation company it most likely will have a very open dress code even for management. The same can also be said of the advertising field where an employees’ mark is measured by their portfolio, and skill level, not appearance. But if the employee is placed into the position of meeting the public or client then the rule reverses itself. Best foot forward.
Hi Althea,
This is a great example of how to manage a class. Isn't it amazing how something as simple as a suit coat can give you authority in a setting like this. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Gary
I find that because I am quite short and female, dressing in a suit (at least on the first few days) is a must. When I first starting teaching, I had a series of experiences where tall male students would (intentionally or subconsciously -- doesn't matter) tower over me when asking for things. Now, I always keep a suit coat handy, just in case I need the extra psychic armor.
Hi Penelope,
I hear you 100 percent. So many want the results but don't want to make the investment it takes to be successful. I have started a number of businesses like you and have enjoyed getting them going. You must be observant and flexible if you are going to be successful. It sounds like you are both and thus you have had many great opportunities to expand your career options. Your experiences are so valuable to your students and I hope they realize that when they are taking your class.
Gary
Why, thank you. I come from a long line of entrepenuers and failure is not an option. My most recent moto is "The race is not for the swift it is for those who endure." Oh and "Whatever you believe you will achieve."
If I had given up on that fabric buying trip 20 years ago my family would not have financed my business. If I did not have the drive to succeed for one buying trip then that would be proof that I did not have what it takes to be sucessful in business. I was not about to let that happen.
Hi Penelope,
I love this story. Yes, he was wrong to make the assumption that he did but in real life this is what happens. So why not make a positive first impression? It is so much easier to go forward with the image of success. I know your students really relate to this story.
I commend you on your problem solving skills as well. You encountered a situation, analyzed it, and then developed a plan for solving the problem which turned out to be the right solution and as they say the rest is history. It would have been easy for you just to give up and return home without your fabric.
Gary
I always make it a point to tell my students a true story that happened to me many years ago when I had my own business. This is it in a nutshell. I went to New York on a buying trip and on entering one of the buildings where the fabric showrooms were housed the doorman stopped me as I was entiereing the elevator. He asked me if I had an appointment to see the company which I did not. I left the building in a quandry then looked down at my sneakers, jeans and muscle t-shirt and only then saw what he saw. I assumed he saw a small start up company who clearly did not have the money to make a major purchase. I went to Saks 5th Ave in Manhatten, purchased a $700 dollar suit at 1/2 price, whipped my hair in a bun, put on pantyhose, expensive loafers and make up. I went back to the building and walked right past the same door man who not only did not recognize me but he also did not stop me form getting in the elevator. I went upstairs to the fabric supplier and made my purchase. That doorman assumed that because I was dressed casually I did not have buying power, and he was wrong to assume that, however, he did treat me how I was dressed; and on both occasions.
Professional dress indeed sets the tone in the teacher/student interaction. This initial impression is very important especially as the student may see unprofessional dress modeled by others in the profession. The overall professional look and the care that is put into the dress is also key.
Hi Beth,
You make an excellent point that needs to be followed by other instructors. By dressing and acting the part of a professional you are letting your students know you are serious about the content of the course and their success. This sets the tone from the very beginning.
Gary
I find this to be especially true for me, as I look rather young, and sometimes I am teaching students who are much older than I am. By dressing professionally and acting in a professional manner, I am seen as someone who knows her subject matter, cares about the outcomes my students have in my class, and the level of mutual respect in the classroom goes up from the very start of each term.
Hi Elizabeth,
Well said. It is so much easier to start off with a good impression rather than spend the rest of the course trying to correct a bad one.
Gary
The students are very aware at how professional the teacher looks. First impressions are remembered. Fashion is so important to our students, so be a role model!
I agree. If you don't respect yourself in the way that you dress then why should anyone else.
