It was 1980. I was 22, newly married and climbing the corporate ladder in England. David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes played on the radio. Margaret Thatcher was just getting started in her reign as Prime Minister.
It was also a long time ago. I have learned much about professionalism and careers since then. To that end, here are five things I would do today if I were 22.
#1: Dress like my job depended on it
As Customer Experience Consultants, we talk about White Lab Coat moments, which describe how you make a judgment about something based on the appearance of an icon. We named this concept after the infamous Milgram study, where a man in a white lab coat encouraged people to administer electric shocks to fellow participants. Most people applied shocks marked “XXX” to the other person merely because the person telling them to was wearing a white lab coat, an icon of authority. (Luckily, there were no shocks, nor even a second participant in the study, but the findings are certainly a dark reflection on our nature!)
Men’s suits have created a white coat moment over time. When you wear a dark, well-pressed suit along with the appropriate accessories, you look professional and authoritative. Whether it’s a client presentation, a conference in Vegas, or a job interview, making sure that your attire is creating the right white coat moment is imperative to sending the appropriate signals about yourself.
#2: Practice my handshake.
One of the first impressions you make when you meet people is conveyed in your handshake. Whether firm or soft, the intensity communicates clues about your personality—and these opinions tend to correlate with your grip.
Body language is important, too. From fidgeting to the ability to make certain eye contact, your body language sends subconscious clues to the other people, too, sometimes without you realizing it.
Practice your handshake. Make sure it is the right balance of intensity. Even better if you make eye contact (while not fidgeting). These little things add up to a great first impression.
#3: Bone up on My Nonverbal Communication
We all use nonverbal communication, although we don’t realize it. Some of us hum or whistle absent-mindedly. Others like to examine their fingernails or scroll through their phone. These activities are nonverbal, but they say plenty.
Take sighs, as an example. Sighs have an association with negative emotions. Does that mean that frequent sighing indicates you are a negative person? Maybe or maybe not. Studies reveal, however, that negative is what people interpret when you do it. You would be wise to gain self-awareness about the frequency and the motivation for your sighing. Even if it isn’t driven by a glass-half-empty mindset, that’s what it likely communicates.
#4: Work on Being Comfortable in My Own Skin
The saying “It’s not personal; it’s just business” is complete rubbish! Business is personal, especially when you are trying to build a relationship with someone. The way to do it is to be yourself, be interested, and be respectful. It’s impossible to do any of these things unless you are comfortable in your own skin.
Do you like fake people? Chances are people you work with, or for, don’t either. Don’t try to be different than you are or more interested in a topic than you normally would be. Being likable requires authenticity and being comfortable with who you are.
#5: Clean up your Social Media feed
The NFL draft taught us this year that poor judgment on social media hurts your career. Experts estimate that University of Mississippi Laremy Tunsil lost $10 Million in contracts (and countless endorsement opportunities) when a video appeared on his Twitter account of him smoking marijuana through a gas mask.
Chances are you aren’t up for a multi-million-dollar contract nor are you vying to be the next face on the Wheaties box, but you are being judged by your social media feeds. It’s a good idea to clean them up when you are applying for a job, or better yet, never post anything you would be ashamed to show your mum.
The world has changed since 1980—in good ways and bad. The Internet allows me to write and publish this to my readers from the comfort of my home, which is great. I have changed, too. For one thing, today I have a lot more insight but maybe, back in 1980, I had a better wardrobe!
What insights have you gained in your career? Please share them with us in the comments below.
Colin Shaw is the founder and CEO of Beyond Philosophy, one of the world’s leading Customer experience consultancy & training organizations. Colin is an international author of five bestselling books and an engaging keynote speaker.
Follow Colin Shaw on Twitter & Periscope @ColinShaw_CX