The Secrets of Executive Image
Executive Image is one of the key indicators of success in today’s world. Its impact spans nearly all aspects of life and is not limited to just the business arena. Your “presence”, how you come across to others, others’ initial and lingering impressions of you – these all affect the committees you are selected for, the social events you are invited to, and yes, the rungs on the executive ladder that you will be offered.
I have been incredibly moved by the comments and questions I’ve received from readers and greatly appreciate knowing this is a topic of interest to many of us. A few of those comments are below:
My biggest concern is that what worked so well in my 20s and 30s will cause me to fall behind in my 40s and 50s. How can we purposefully change/grow, while maintaining the best of who we are and projecting the right image? by Marion
Melissa asked:
1. Pantyhose w/ business suits in summer– yeah or nay? If nay, tanner on the legs or glowingly Casper white? [Maybe I should stick w/ pants!]
2. Professional purse when also carrying briefcase? Or do I have to shove all my personal things in the case?
3. Winter coats that work with business suits… ditto rain coats– w/o feeling like the Michelin Man.
4. NATURAL makeup- help!
While incredibly important, Executive Image can be a very difficult concept to grasp hold of and truly understand. It is clear that 
appearance plays a significant part in a person’s image, but there are subtleties and depth to a person’s “presence” that extend beyond the cut of their suit or their hair.
I have struggled with the complexities of this topic and have wanted to pursue it in depth since I wrote my first post about Executive Image a few months ago. I came back to it again a few weeks ago, and then hit a wall. I procrastinated and procrastinated writing the articles. I finally took a hard look at why I was hesitating to write this series and I realized it’s because although I do have tips and insights, there are so many nuances to this topic that I didn’t feel one person could cover it adequately.
Then – AHA! – I knew what to do.
Introduction to the Collaborative Executive Image Series
The light bulb went off when Srini from Skool of Life introduced me to the collaborative series concept developed by April @ Blacksburg Belle. I realized I don’t have to struggle to be an Executive Guru. Instead, I know an incredible group of talented women that have great insight into corporate America, working women, and the impressions we make on others without even knowing it.
Six amazing women (plus me) have agreed to participate in this Series and provide advice in each of their respective niches. Their resumes and experience are truly impressive. You won’t be disappointed.
We are kicking off a collaborative “Management Monday” Series regarding the secrets to Executive Image on this coming Monday – December 20th. A new article will be published each week, on Monday, through the end of January. These articles will be posted on each of the writer’s respective websites, so please go ahead and follow them now so you don’t miss any of these valuable tips!
Schedule and Line-up
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POSTED on December 20th – Can the Executive Image be Feminine? by Margie Clayman
Marjorie Clayman is Director of Client Development at Clayman Advertising, a full service marketing communications firm located in Akron, OH. After receiving her BA from the College of Wooster, Margie went on to earn a Master of Library Science as well as an MA in history from Kent State University. Five years ago, she became the third generation to join the family firm which her grandfather founded in 1954. Margie blogs at www.margieclayman.com.
Connect with Margie on twitter and sign up for e-mail.
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POSTED on December 27th – Confidence Creates an Unforgettable Executive Image by Jennifer Gresham
Jennifer says, “I’ve had the opportunity to meet many impressive and powerful women executives during my 20+ years in the Department of Defense. It’s amazing how many of them were frumpy! While I do think personal appearance can have a positive impact on your career, it’s the polish, not the substance. The biggest thing women need to propel their careers forward is a bucket full of good ideas and the confidence to share them.”
Connect with Jennifer on Everyday Bright, on Twitter, and on Facebook.
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POSTED on January 3rd – Competition’s Influence on Executive Image by Maria @ Tough Cookie Mommy
My thoughts on Competition and the Executive Image are: “You are a complete package, professionally. Every aspect of your persona within your career is crucial to your long-term success and how you are perceived by your colleagues. Unfortunately, there is a lot of competition involved in being a member of the workplace. Everyone wants to be the best in their field or at the top of their game so it is imperative that you focus on always improving yourself internally, externally, and professionally. Also, always take inventory of the agendas of those working around you.”
Connect with Maria at Tough Cookie Mommy, on twitter, and facebook.
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**No Longer Posted** Organization and Preparation by Mrs. B
Mrs. B says ”In my career, I have assisted Presidents of Boards and C-Level Executives. I hear what they say about you after they meet with you, so I want to talk to you about how you present yourself when you meet with an Executive. They may, someday, have a say in whether or not you proceed up the career ladder to become an Executive yourself.”
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POSTED on January 17th – Polishing Your Interpersonal Skills by Dawn Lennon
Dawn is a Career Strategist, Coach and Mentor, helping individuals, small and solo business owners build the success they want. Dawn is the author of Business Fitness: The Power to Succeed–Your Way.
Dawn says “From the beginning of my career, I simply wanted to be taken seriously. As a young woman working in a male-dominated Fortune 500, that was a challenge. I realized early on that building relationships the right way, using authentic interpersonal skills, worked. For over 20 years as a senior manager and now as a coach, I’ve seen how interpersonal skills can build credibility, respect, and inclusion—prized outcomes of a positive executive image.”
Connect with Dawn on Big Picture Consulting, Twitter, and Facebook.
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POSTED on January 24th – What to Wear & Other Appearance Tips by Daria
POSTED on January 25th – Responding to Specific Wardrobe Questions from Readers
I have 15 years experience in Consulting, have led a staff of 9, and have hired (and fired) people too. Along the way, I have often observed how drastically a person’s appearance affects the impression they leave on others and the respect – or lack thereof – that they are given because of that impression. While I don’t feel like I have all the answers, I do have a few tips that I will share with you. I will also research and answer questions posed by readers. There are two examples above, but please go ahead and add more in the comments section and I’ll see what I can do about answering them.
Connect with Daria on Mom In Management, on twitter, and facebook.
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POSTED January 31st – Projecting an Executive Image when Anxiety Attacks by Linda Esposito
Daria, You cease to amaze me!!!!Wonderful line up. Can’t wait!!!!
Thanks Nicole! I hope you enjoy. I am really excited about it.
Oh, and Nicole… I am so sorry I no longer amaze you…
Just teasing! I knew what you meant and THANK YOU!
Daria-
Thanks so much for organizing this wonderful series. I feel so grateful to be part of this awesome group of accomplished women.
Can’t wait to read and be enlightened!
~Linda
Thank YOU for participating! I am more excited about this than anything I’ve done so far with my blog. I really thing the experience and advice you bring to the table are going to be valuable to a lot of people!
You’ve set this series up so beautifully! I’m thrilled to be part of it and excited to connect ideas with these wonderful bloggers. Thanks so much for including me. You’re the BEST! ~Dawn
Hi Dawn,
Ditto on what I said to Linda! I am very honored that you have agreed to participate in this Series and I can’t wait!
I think it will be so much fun and some great advice for many of us working women!!
WOW – what a great idea for a series! I cannot wait to read along. Looks like an impressive line up and look forward to their sage advice.
Thank you Lynn! I really appreciate you stopping by and taking a look. I am very excited to read what these great ladies come up with too!
I am thrilled to be working with such competent and knowledgeable Ladies. I’m very excited I believe that we all bring a unique perspective on this multi-faceted issue. I look forward to all of the discourse that will arise as a result of these posts. Thank you for including me in this great lineup of professional women.
Hi Maria,
On your blog, the way you write about the heart of working women, the balance of work and home, parenting struggles and joys…I KNOW you are incredibly tuned-in to the feelings and challenges we all face. I can’t wait to hear your insight and advice!
I am so excited you agreed to participate!
Congrats on the kick off, Daria. It looks great!! I’m a little intimidated by all that strong, female, firepower…(impressive line up) hope I can fit in somewhere in Feb as you mentioned. I can’t wait! Keep up the great work, Brian
Thanks Brian! Management Monday will likely continue past this Series, so think up something in your niche related to Management/Leadership and let’s plan on it!
[...] by Jennifer Gresham on December 27, 2010 This post is part of the Executive Image series started by Daria (aka @MominManagement). I am honored to participate with her and five other amazing women on this topic. For more about the series, visit Daria’s website, MominManagement. [...]
[...] on this topic.Powered by WP Greet Box WordPress PluginDr. Jennifer Gresham is the second of 7 Fabulous Women to share her thoughts about Executive Image with us! She writes about how to create an [...]
[...] This post is part of the Executive Image series started by Daria (aka @MominManagement). I am honored to participate with her and five other amazing women on this topic. For more about the series, visit Daria’s website, MominManagement. [...]
[...] B is the fourth of 7 Fabulous Women to share her thoughts about Executive Image with [...]
[...] This post is part of the Executive Image series started by Daria (aka @MominManagement). I am honored that she invited me to participate along with her and five other amazing women. For more about the series, visit Daria’s website, MominManagement. [...]
Just wanted to pop by and say thanks for visiting Mommy D’s Kitchen and thanks for hoppin this week on the Mystery Post Blog Hop!
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[...] This post is the finale of the Executive Image series that Daria (@MominManagement) began in December. I am honored to participate with her and five other amazing women to take this baby home. Kind of like the anchor in the high school 400m relay running for the team gold…not that I know;). For more about the series, visit Daria’s website, MominManagement. [...]
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[...] Great bloggers, all of them.**This is the 2nd Series hosted on Mom in Management. The first ~ Secrets of Executive Image ~ can be found Here. /**/ 0 Comments – What do you think? Comment here…« Previous [...]
[...] «Executive Image is one of the key indicators of success in today’s world. Its impact spans nearly all aspects of life and is not limited to just the business arena. Your “presence”, how you come across to others, others’ initial and lingering impressions of you – these all affect the committees you are selected for, the social events you are invited to, and yes, the rungs on the executive ladder that you will be offered [...] While incredibly important, Executive Image can be a very difficult concept to grasp hold of and truly understand. It is clear that appearance plays a significant part in a person’s image, but there are subtleties and depth to a person’s “presence” that extend beyond the cut of their suit or their hair» http://www.mominmanagement.com/1721/7-women-share-the-secrets-of-executive-image/ [...]
[...] «Executive Image is one of the key indicators of success in today’s world. Its impact spans nearly all aspects of life and is not limited to just the business arena. Your “presence”, how you come across to others, others’ initial and lingering impressions of you – these all affect the committees you are selected for, the social events you are invited to, and yes, the rungs on the executive ladder that you will be offered [...] While incredibly important, Executive Image can be a very difficult concept to grasp hold of and truly understand. It is clear that appearance plays a significant part in a person’s image, but there are subtleties and depth to a person’s “presence” that extend beyond the cut of their suit or their hair» http://www.mominmanagement.com/1721/7-women-share-the-secrets-of-executive-image/ [...]