They say first impression matters.
While we have learnt about visioning, determination, resilience and building interpersonal relationship it is important to tackle issues of grooming and etiquette. Surely grooming and etiquette does not replace your need for education, qualifications, skills and interpersonal relationship skills; Koma zimangothandizira!
Personal grooming means being presentable to others, paying attention to body hygiene, personal cleanliness, groomed nails, hair, absence of body odour and dressing well. While etiquette is the customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.
When you are going about business how do you take care of your outlook and how do you carry your self? How you dress up and carry yourself speaks of the kind of a person that you are. I am mindful of the fact that grooming and etiquette depends on the kind of business, career, place and people that you engage. For example a CEO of a Bank going for an AGM will groom differently as compared to going for a football match.
Herewith are very basic rules of grooming and etiquette;
- Dress up according to the assignment. Is it an interview, meeting Bank Manager, Board Meeting or a cocktail. Check the appropriate ways of dressing.
- Always get to work earlier or for an appointment earlier. Simple time keeping demonstrates commitment and seriousness.
- NEVER miss deadline
- Smell nice and ensure your breath is clean. Chitungu, Khwema ndi kununkha mkamwa is a serious put off!
- Make sure your shoes are well polished and look great. People first look at your face and go to your shoe and then the other things.
- Look straight into the eyes of those talking to you.
- Walk shoulder high with energy! Zolobodoka iyayi!
- Avoid excesses like too much perfume, too much powder etc etc.
- Before going to an event, or a meeting do your research about the expected dressing, time, type of food, type of function etc etc
When you dress well you exude confidence!
Please note I’m not talking about buying new things or indeed expensive things. It’s taking good care of what you have and use it appropriately.
Please kindly share your views on this.
Make a decision to dress up and reach for the skies.
Comments powered by CComment