Professional image refers to the way you present yourself in your work environment. It goes beyond the way you dress and your physical appearance. Professional image refers to the way you package all that you bring to your industry and how you conduct yourself in a professional setting. It is about the way you carry yourself, your body language, and how you engage with others verbally and in writing. Because professional image impacts how you feel about yourself and what people think when they see you, let’s discuss how to capitalize on your professional image.
Be conscious of how others see you
Are you someone who commands authority, are you seen as reliable or trustful? Is there congruence between your words and actions? What do clients say after they meet you? Do people think of you as kind, warm or empathetic? If there is a new project starting, who comes to mind to lead it? These questions can help you be aware of your professional image and also help you change in any areas that you think are necessary to improve.
It is also important to understand that your professional image is something that changes throughout time. As you advance in age and experience, there will be expectations on how you present yourself. These also go hand in hand as your seniority rank increases.
Be intentional about what you say and do
It is a good idea to think before speaking, especially if you are in a group setting or public situation. Who hasn’t seen a TV commentator who says the wrong thing at the wrong time and in trying to fix it, makes it worse?
When not sure about the impact of your words, err on the side of caution and refrain from saying the wrong thing. Did you make a mistake? Own it and apologize sincerely but don’t overdo it. Honesty sends a strong signal that you are a person of integrity and mature enough to be trusted.
On the other hand, whenever you have the chance to sincerely praise someone, go ahead and compliment them. Everyone likes a good-natured member of the team who knows how to get along with others.
Communicate effectively by being concise and speak with confidence and clarity. Be responsive to others’ words and listen with undivided attention so that you can project interest. Your communication style should show that you care about them and what they have to say so that there is no doubt between your personality and values.
Become an expert in your field
Work hard to be great and strive to be an expert in what you do. Although no one knows everything about their industry, you should make an effort to have the required skills and to update your knowledge regularly to perform at your best. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to demonstrate what you know. This will make you stand out among the competition.
With that said, should you find yourself not knowing an answer or have yet to develop a skill, it is better to be truthful rather than trying to “fake it till you make it” and being found out. In this case you can state that you will find the answer or refer to someone who can help.
Establish your professional attire and overall presentation
Yes, as mentioned above, professional image goes beyond your physical appearance but that doesn’t mean you should forget about the latter. A first impression goes hand in hand with the way you present yourself, including how you dress.
Don’t underestimate the importance of your appearance and nonverbal cues. Have good posture and stand tall to show confidence. Make eye contact when you shake hands to establish rapport. Grooming says a lot about you. Make sure your attire is clean and neat. Avoid loose or buttons, undone seams, stained, and wrinkled clothes. If necessary, invest in new clothes that fit well.
In addition, your email signature and the tone of your communications are taken in consideration together to form an opinion about you. Conduct yourself in a way that says you are approachable.
Your professional image projects your character and values in the workplace. It is continuously under scrutiny by those around you, including your supervisors, peers and clients. It is determined by many different factors that, if you understand them well, can help you advance in your career and be seen as an authority in your industry. Capitalize on your professional image to present yourself appropriately and send the message you want to convey to others.
Dr. Landrau is a keynote speaker in Houston, TX. She works with organizations focused on retaining women in the workforce and promoting them to executive levels. Her talks about leadership and women’s empowerment, show professional women how to work on their mindset to obtain visibility and recognition to become phenomenal leaders in their industry.
Hire Dr. Landrau to speak at your event by sending a direct message to drlandrau.com/contact
