“Your manners are always under examination, and by committees little suspected, awarding or denying you very high prizes when you least think of it.”
—RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Gen Xer Joe doesn’t know when his alarm clock buzzes for the second time how much his job will be on the line later that morning. Now, with his heart pounding wildly, he is in full panic mode. Joe’s new district manager is visiting this morning and will be addressing rumors about a possible company downsizing. Joe knows he had better get to the office before the DM does.
Joe grabs the pile of clothes lying on the floor, the same ones he had worn the day before, and after a quick sniff test, wildly pulls them on. He brushes his teeth and drags a comb through his hair before he is out the door.
Joe has a lot of time to make up and his foot is heavy on the gas. Weaving in and out of traffic, he gets pulled over. Politely accepting his speeding ticket, Joe is now desperate to get to work. At the company parking lot, he barely misses the car stopped at the front entrance. He blares his horn as a passenger leaves the car and slowly walks to the entrance. Joe finally parks and rushes into the building. He dashes up the stairs into the meeting room disheveled, breathless, dripping in sweat, and two minutes late.
His boss and coworkers stare at him in disbelief. And then, the man at the far end of the conference table stands, and Joe and the district manager lock eyes in mutual recognition. Here is the passenger of the car stopped at the entrance, the very same car at which Joe had blared his horn. And he looks very unhappy. Joe sinks into the nearest seat, head bowed, and prepares for the worst.
If you’ve ever wondered if you have a personal brand, wonder no more. You do. We all do. Where we live, what we drive, with whom we associate, what we wear, how we communicate both in person and virtually, our work habits, and our leisure activities combine to create an indelible image and powerful message. Who we are and what we value, in essence, define our personal brands. Your personal brand precedes you and stays long after you have left. Says Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, “Your brand is what people say about you when you are not in the room.”
It has been almost a month to the day since Karen, a 33-year-old CPA at a major accounting firm, has taken her “voluntary” Professional Presence training. Indisputably brilliant at her job, Karen has rapidly worked her way up from staff auditor to tax manager and is on track to become one of the firm’s youngest partners. That is, if she is able to convince the senior partners that she can project the image they have so carefully developed for their firm.
Karen knows she can be a little rough around the edges. Impatient and demanding, she is a perfectionist. After all, time is money—her clients’ and the firm’s—and she’s not going to waste any of it. Still, her salty language, severe attire, and unsmiling face intimidate the junior staff and even put off some of the partners, as well. But this is who she is, Karen thinks, an accountant, not a cruise director. Besides, a “lipstick” approach to changing her image will never work.
Karen had no choice but to take the training if she wanted to become partner—which she desperately did. But she was skeptical when the consultant said that little tweaks could actually make big differences. If Karen was willing to make a few changes, she said, she might be pleasantly surprised at how powerful the effects could be. They would meet again in a month to assess her progress.
Karen figured she had nothing to lose. She made an appointment with a personal shopper and a hair salon to update her wardrobe and hairstyle. She visited a cosmetics counter and was astonished at what a difference a little well-applied makeup made. At work, Karen began greeting colleagues as they passed by and was surprised when her greetings were invariably returned. Rather than her usual all-business approach, she engaged her staff in light conversations about their weekend plans and outside interests, and truly listened to their responses. She even invited some coworkers to coffee—something she’d never done in the past—and began to forge some new relationships. She was amazed at how receptive people were. But the biggest shock for Karen was that she had begun to receive compliments about her appearance and attitude—that was a first!
Karen’s confidence was sky-high, and she had to acknowledge her new approach wasn’t hurting her team’s productivity at all—in fact, it actually seemed to be helping it. Karen looked forward to her follow-up meeting with the consultant, eager to share her successes and to ask for additional tips. All of a sudden, her partnership dream seemed very much within her grasp.
The concept of brands is not new. First introduced in 1937 by Napoleon Hill in his book Think and Grow Rich,1 personal branding was again brought to the fore in 1981 by Al Ries and Jack Trout in their book Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind.2 It was later popularized by management guru Tom Peters in his 1997 article in Fast Company, “A Brand Called You.”3
Professional image and reputation have always been important. But there is a new sense of urgency in having a positive brand, due to the proliferation of social media. In the past, the implications of a person’s brand, whether good or bad, were largely contained. Only specific family, work, and community audiences were privy to them. Today, the possible ramifications of a negative brand are enormous because everything is out there for the whole world to see.
Occasionally, personal branding suffers from a negative connotation. When less than truthful self-promotion reveals itself, a letdown inevitably occurs. Conversely, while openness is to be valued where matters of character are concerned, sharing too much information can work against you. Today’s workplace mantra is “transparency and authenticity,” but the fact is, true civility requires good judgment and a measure of nondisclosure.
It is easier than ever to inflict permanent damage to our brands. We would be wise to heed the advice of Guru Sai Baba, who said, “Before you speak, ask yourself: is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?” If what we are about to say does not meet these criteria, it may be better left unsaid.
Dan Schawbel, author of Personal Branding Book, says personal branding is “The process by which individuals differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd by identifying their unique value proposition, whether professional or personal, and then leveraging it across platforms with a consistent message to achieve a specific goal.”4 The benefits of having a strong personal brand, he says, include the ability to demand a premium price, a higher salary, and enhanced visibility within professional communities.
One’s in-person persona and online activities combine to create a brand—a brand that can easily be compromised. Online, a brand can be undermined by one’s failure to include a professional photograph, poor judgment with posts, relentless self-promoting, and over-sharing. In person, it can be marred by behaviors at work, on public transportation, in restaurants, on elevators, while waiting in line, and while walking on the sidewalk or into buildings—virtually anyplace one is seen or heard.
Perceptions of people are also fueled by stereotypes. If one wishes to overcome the preconceived notions that millennials are flighty narcissists and baby boomers are cranky has-beens, one will need to build an authentic, compelling personal brand that flies in the face of these stereotypes. To accomplish this, deliberation is key, and it begins with self-reflection. Brian Lawrence, a career development specialist at Saint Louis University, says that a personal brand is first and foremost personal. “Your brand should not be a character you create but instead should be a representation of what employers can expect when you are hired.”5 Once you determine who you are and what you want to convey, you can align all aspects of your personal and professional personas and begin to clearly and consistently communicate your brand.
Sometimes rebranding is in order. One of the most famous comeback stories is that of Steve Jobs. He founded Apple in 1976, got kicked out of the company in 1985, and 12 years later was rehired. Henry Blodget, cofounder and former CEO of the business website businessinsider.com, wrote, “During his time in the wilderness—the 12 years he spent away from the company that became his life’s work—Steve learned the skills and discipline that he needed to lead Apple’s resurrection. Steven wasn’t born with these skills, he developed them.”6 Bill Gates and Richard Branson, among others, also faced significant setbacks in their careers. What is encouraging is that no matter how great the challenge or how long it takes, rebranding is not only possible, it may land one in a far better position than before.
The newly hired are at an advantage because they are in the process of making their first impressions. They can turn these good impressions into good brands. Tenured employees, on the other hand, or those who have made less than positive first impressions, may need to do some rebranding. This involves first convincing themselves, and then others, that they are not only capable of making successful changes, but also would thrive in doing so.
Take seriously all feedback received. Make personal improvements with an eye toward the future.
Determine how current skills align with future job requirements. Learn necessary skills for a new job before pursuing it. Find mentors to lend support and give advice.
Realize rebranding takes time. Be persistent and confident. Eventually, others will change their minds about you and your capabilities.
Helen approaches Tom, the new manager of the regional office. “Do you have a minute?” she asks. Eager to assist, Tom invites her in to his office. With a worried look on her face, Helen, one of the company’s sales assistants, begins. “I am hesitant to say this, but as the new manager, you have a right to know. And I really just want to help.” Helen now has Tom’s full attention.
“Unfortunately, we have some big problems on our team.” In a voice full of concern, Helen reports that Tina’s difficult home life is affecting her attendance, Brett’s drinking problem makes him late most days, Jeff’s money woes are making him miserable to be around, and Susan’s poor performance is because she can’t get along with her clients. “Rich’s behavior is the most problematic, though,” Helen says with great drama. “Now that his marriage is on the rocks, he’s beginning to hit on all the young female interns.”
After she finishes describing virtually every person on the team in an unflattering, personal way, Helen sighs heavily, a barely perceptible look of smugness on her face. Tom thinks for a moment and says, “You’re right, Helen, we do have a problem. It’s your attitude. What are you going to do about that?”
The importance of a positive attitude cannot be overstated. In his article, “The One Thing That Determines How Successful You Can Be,” author Jim Rohn says attitude “determines the level of our potential, produces the intensity of our activity, and predicts the quality of the result we receive.”7 Charles Swindoll, pastor and author, says attitude is a greater determinant of future success than one’s background, education, financial means, position, or reputation with others. He says attitude is more important than the past, the future, and even the facts.8
Still, bad attitudes on the job run rampant, and those who have them run the gamut. From the complainer, the victim, and the martyr to the self-proclaimed overworked, under-paid, and under-appreciated, these individuals share and often over-share their feelings, about, well, everything. Nothing is off the table: relationships, politics, ill-health, weather, traffic, long lines, discourteous commuters, bosses, coworkers, work conditions, job loads, paychecks, deadlines—the list is endless. On the job, bad attitudes are evidenced by tardiness, rudeness, gossip, poor work habits, inappropriate attire, and negative tones. They are also demonstrated through disrespectful nonverbal communication such as slouching, eye rolling, glaring, smirking, and the use of electronic devices.
There are myriad reasons people exhibit bad attitudes, including to get attention, avoid responsibility, achieve common ground, and gain validation. Fear, insecurity, jealousy, and bad habits are also factors that lead to negative attitudes. And blameless colleagues, unsuspecting customers, and innocent business partners all take the hit.
Of course, there are issues of legitimate concern that can affect attitudes, including serious health, family, and money matters. And there are generation-specific concerns as well. Digital natives in particular are worried. While the current national unemployment rate of 5 percent means many are landing jobs, they still carry an average of $37,000 in school loan debt alone.9 According to the Census Bureau, some 30 percent of young adults aged 18–34 are living with their parents,10 creating a challenging “full nest” situation for parents and their adult children. At an age where thoughts traditionally turn to establishing relationships, buying homes, and starting families, such considerations are on the back burner for many millennials. This lack of money and independence contribute to a high degree of stress for many in this cohort. Digital immigrants also have a lot on their minds as retirement security, health and healthcare, employment security, children’s educations, and the needs of aging parents weigh heavily.
Regardless of the challenge, it is still our responsibility to choose the right attitudes, because the alternative is just too costly. Negative attitudes have deleterious effects on physical and emotional health. They drain energy, weaken immune systems, contribute to depression, lengthen illness recovery times, and shorten life. Negative attitudes at work decrease productivity, lower morale, overshadow accomplishments, damage relationships, and jeopardize business, jobs, and promotions. Bad attitudes permeate corporate cultures from top to bottom.
Positive attitudes, on the other hand, provide enormous benefits. They engender respect, encourage the perceptions of confidence, strength, and leadership ability, facilitate optimum job productivity and satisfaction, and promote strong professional relationships.
You can become a member of the “positive attitude club” with a few simple steps. First, do a gut check by acknowledging your feelings and recognizing how you are broadcasting them. Ask yourself whether an issue will matter tomorrow, next month, or five years from now. If the answer is no, let it go. Improve the situation if you can, but be prepared to move on in a healthy way when there’s nothing more you can do.
With coworkers, demonstrate your good attitude by treating everyone with respect and kindness. Use positive language, banishing words like problem and impossible from your lexicon. Offer compliments, encouragement, congratulations, and apologies as warranted. Show optimism and appreciation. Go above and beyond, without expectation of recognition. In addition to doing your part in creating a positive work environment, all of these efforts can reap you great personal and professional rewards.
Now that you’ve put on the right attitude for work, it’s time to put on the right clothes!
After a career that spanned nearly five decades, Walter, a 74-year-old financial advisor at one of the country’s largest wealth management companies, was about to retire. But before he did, this very successful man needed to devise a succession plan for his longstanding clients, many of whom were high net-worth individuals in their 60s, 70s, and above. They trusted him completely, and Walter knew the importance of this last business decision for his clients—and for his legacy. He was not going to let them down.
Walter had a dozen or more skilled advisors in the office to whom he could pass his clients, and all of the advisors were technically proficient and would do a fine job. But in the end, he chose 35-year-old Patrick. Walter’s final decision was influenced not only by Patrick’s overall professionalism, but very much by the way Patrick dressed. His clients still respected formal business attire, including shined shoes, pressed suits, and “neckties,” as they called them. Walter was confident that his clients would feel very comfortable being transferred to Patrick and that the company had an excellent chance of retaining their business for years to come. A career’s worth of valuable contacts and business went to Patrick, because he “dressed the part.”
Attire is a big part of one’s personal brand. Attire tells the world what one thinks about oneself and others. It conveys competence and judgment, or the lack thereof. It inspires confidence or elicits concern. It enhances credibility or creates confusion. It matters. Attire is the first thing others notice at an interview and on the job. It can be a deciding factor between the person who gets the job, the client, or the promotion and the person who does not. Dressing professionally is not about the latest styles or comfort. It is about reflecting and supporting a specific workplace culture and industry standards by meeting expectations, not defying them.
It is often argued that attire, as mere “packaging,” is not important. It’s what’s inside that counts. But in order to entice others to be interested in what’s inside, they must be intrigued—or at least not put off—by what’s outside. The importance of packaging was reinforced for me daily during my 11 years working in the business sales division of Tiffany & Co. Known for its trademark “little blue box,” the venerable jeweler has never lost sight of the power of its packaging and goes to great lengths to defend infringement upon its brand. On occasions when I was asked if I could supply a Tiffany box, I would always say yes, as long as it contained paid-for Tiffany merchandise. I understood the assumptions made about this packaging. The mere sight of a Tiffany blue box held a promise, if not a guarantee, that whatever was inside was of unsurpassed beauty and quality. Attire, or one’s packaging, has similar power.
Digital immigrants remember well when there was no question about what to wear to work: for men, it was a suit and tie, and for women, it was a dress (or skirt and blouse) and hosiery. Today, these standards have been relaxed dramatically, even in the most staid environments. Whether this is a good thing is under debate. In his Financial Times article, “Sorry, JP Morgan, Smart Guys Still Wear Suits,” Robert Armstrong took issue with the announcement by the world’s leading bank urging its employees to adopt business casual attire. Among Mr. Armstrong’s arguments against this standard of attire was “Put a suit on, hotshot, it’s other people’s money.”11
In deciding what to wear, the culture of the organization is always the major determining factor. There is no “one size fits all.” Even within a corporate culture, there may be different or relaxed standards depending upon the physical location of an office or what a person does for an organization. Expectations for attire at corporate headquarters where executives and important clients roam may be different from dress standards in field offices; warmer climates may dictate lighter fabrics and fewer items of clothing; regional standards of dress in a conservative Northeast work environment may be different from a laid-back West Coast concern.
We dress to meet expectations—not to cause confusion or concern. A uniformed police officer, firefighter, or nurse reassures us that a professional is on the scene. A hard-hatted construction worker or white-coated scientist suggests someone who respects and is prepared for the job. A suited and buttoned-down accountant or banker instills confidence in us that good care will be taken with our money. In an operating room, you hope the surgeon is wearing scrubs; in a court of law, you hope the judge is wearing black robes.
What you wear depends on what you do and where you do it. If you work in a conservative field such as law or financial services, conservative attire is the way to go. If you’re in a creative field, such as marketing or advertising, dressing in an avant-garde style is in order. Hoodies are often the uniform of the day in the high-tech field, and the fashion industry requires the latest runway styles.
It is incumbent upon job candidates and employees to find out what is expected of them and to dress accordingly. Job applicants can get the information they need by conducting online research for industry-specific attire, asking for advice from someone who works for an organization, or calling and inquiring about a company’s dress code. One applicant did a “stakeout” by sitting in his car in a parking lot for a first-hand view of what employees were wearing. Employees will ensure they dress appropriately by adhering to the company’s dress code or simply by observing how higher-ups in the organization dress.
In your research, you will come across a head-spinning array of categories of business dress. They will include business formal, business professional, traditional business, general business, and interview attire. You will also see business casual and its possible subdivisions of campus casual, active casual, sporty casual, smart casual, rugged casual, and small business casual. Then there is formal and semi-formal attire for special gala events. Knowing exactly what the categories mean is problematic because the interpretations vary so widely across organizations and industries. Do your best reconnaissance, and prepare for any error to be on the side of formality. Fortunately, the following business attire rules span industries.
Cleanliness. Keep everything clean, including body, hair, clothing, nails, breath, and teeth. Keep a toothbrush and breath mints on hand for unexpected meetings.
Grooming. Style hair in an acceptable fashion for your work environment. Avoid extreme colors and cuts unless that defines your company culture. Keep facial hair neat and trimmed. Wet hair is unprofessional, ear and nose hair are unsightly. With perfume, less is more.
Quality. Fabric, stitching, pattern, color, buttonholes, and linings all give clues about the quality of a garment. Make sure they are top-notch.
Cost. Employ the “cost per wearing method” before buying anything. A seemingly expensive item could cost just dollars per wearing.
Fit and condition. Clothes need to fit well and be in good repair. Do not wear ripped, stained, frayed, or threadbare items or those that have missing buttons or holes.
Taste. Avoid plunging necklines, garish colors, clanging bracelets, visible underwear, facial bolts, and conspicuous tattoos unless, of course, such styles define your workplace.
More than a few hiring managers have reported their dismay when the well-dressed millennials they hired bore no resemblance to those who came to work. It was as though they thought that once they landed the jobs, any additional sartorial efforts were unnecessary.
Older workers have their dress challenges, too. Some see no need to change styles that have served them well for 30, 40, or even 50 years. Others cling to the hope that the practical and conservative dress that comprises their wardrobes will once again be the standard. But attire, like everything, evolves with the times, and it’s important to evolve with it.
“ON YOUR LEFT!” comes the loud shout. Today, for what must have been the hundredth time, Liz is practically run over on her walk to work by a passing bicyclist. Or at least it feels that way. Liz appreciates the positive impact more bicycles and fewer cars have on collective well-being and the environment. What she doesn’t appreciate are the heart palpitations caused by a cyclist shouting in her ear as he speeds by with just inches to spare at 30 miles an hour. Startled, angry, and practically knocked off her feet—again—Liz begins to shout back at the cyclist, but he is long gone. “How can people be so inconsiderate?” Liz says out loud.
Liz’s route to work is via Boston’s Charles River, a beautiful and very popular location surrounded by trees and flat paved paths that go for more than 20 miles. In the course of a given day, thousands of runners, walkers, cyclists, bladers, moms with strollers, and dog lovers with their dogs all share the river’s paths. But an unfortunate chasm has developed between cyclists and pedestrians, as each vociferously and indignantly laments the other faction’s lack of consideration. And if she is honest with herself, Liz knows each side has valid complaints.
So Liz makes a decision. While she can’t change everyone’s attitude and behavior, she can change hers. When the next cyclist comes riding toward her, Liz gives her ample room to pass and smiles. To her amazement, the cyclist smiles back and thanks her. She tries this several more times and finds that almost everyone returns her smile, and some even say hello. Liz decides that showing a little courtesy toward those she encounters on her commute may just encourage others to do the same. No matter, it will make her commute more pleasant, and that’s a start.
How do we annoy one another en route to work? Whether on foot or horseback (yes, a few folks do commute that way), in automobiles, or on buses, boats, mopeds, skateboards, planes, or trains, commuters are driven to daily distraction by their fellow travelers. Presuming that none of us set out to get others’ blood boiling and are merely oblivious, the issue of traveling to and from work needs attention from a number of perspectives.
Employees begin to broadcast their brands the moment they leave home. Are they rushing down the sidewalk with ties undone and hair wet, bumping into slower moving pedestrians as they try to catch trains or buses? Do they push to get onto public transportation and vie for scarce open seats, giving scant, if any, thought to others? Are they impatient behind the wheel, weaving in and out of lanes, crudely gesturing at the slightest provocation and blaring horns with abandon? These behaviors do not go unnoticed.
Travel can be stressful, especially during rush hours. Meetings with clients, bosses, or coworkers, project deadlines, or relieving team members may all be dependent on our timeliness. Trying to deal with uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic accidents, and breakdowns by giving vent to our frustrations may give us breakdowns of our own.
There are approximately 128.3 million commuters in the U.S., 76 percent of whom travel to and from work in their own cars. Another 12 percent carpool, and approximately 8 percent combined take the bus, walk, bicycle, or ride the subway. The rest use alternate means (horseback?). Where we live determines how we get to work. In cities, up to 15 percent of workers travel by foot and up to 5 percent by bicycle.12
To protect your brand and ensure safety all around, the following guidelines are offered for the various transportation modes.
Personal auto:
Use good judgment and observe the rules of the road. Speeding, following too closely, flashing headlights, using the breakdown lane to bypass traffic, or zigzagging between lanes will win you no friends and may get you pulled over.
DO NOT text or use social media while driving. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that in 2014, more than 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving-related car crashes, and 431,000 were injured. The average time eyes are off the road while texting is five seconds, which, if traveling at 55 MPH, is like covering the entire length of a football field blindfolded.13
Resist the urge to text even at stoplights. Invariably, the light will turn green, which you will know by the horns blaring behind you. You may make the light, but others will not, and this may come back to haunt you at the next intersection.
Carpool:
Establish costs and payment guidelines up front. If everyone takes turns driving, split all costs evenly. If one person does the driving, consider a mileage approach factoring in costs for fuel, maintenance, parking, and tolls. The IRS offers mileage rates, which it updates on a yearly basis.
Keep on hand a list of co-riders’ cell, work, home, and emergency phone numbers.
Be ready when your ride arrives. Requiring others to wait is inconsiderate. Doing so habitually may get you kicked out of the carpool.
Respect the culture of the carpool. If food and drink are allowed and conversation welcome, participate as you like. If instead, quiet is desired, observe that.
Be meticulous about personal hygiene. Apply fragrance sparingly, if at all. Be neat, and take newspapers and trash with you.
Decide upon seating based upon practical considerations, such as the needs and the sizes of the passengers or drop-off order.
Stick like glue to the no-stopping policy. If anyone is ever to get to his destination, personal errands cannot be allowed.
Be reliable. If you are the driver and are sick or delayed, give your passengers as much notice as possible. Allow for unexpected traffic, construction, accidents, long lights, tollbooth backups, and weather delays.
Taxi and transportation services:
Be respectful of the driver and of the automobile, and be aware that any bad behavior on your part may become part of a file on you. Uber and Lyft rate their customers and share this knowledge with fellow drivers who may elect not to pick you up in the future. (Want to know your rating? A feature on the Uber app lets you find out. Or just ask the driver!)
Engage the driver in conversation if you are so inclined, but only if he seems receptive to it. A driver’s first priority is to get you safely to your destination, which may require his full attention to the road and directions.
Do not eat, drink, or engage in personal grooming while in the vehicle.
Keep calm if traffic or weather delays your ride, and, of course, do not blame the driver. He or she is equally, if not more, frustrated than you are.
Attend to personal grooming tasks before you board. This means no hair brushing, shaving (yes, it’s done), nail filing or clipping, tooth picking, or applying makeup.
Do not travel if you are sick. But if you decide you absolutely must, cover coughs and sneezes, and stand or sit as far away from others as possible.
Allow passengers to get off a bus or train before you get on. Board quickly, being careful of others’ toes, shins, elbows, and belongings. If you bump into someone, apologize.
Do not eat or drink when commuting, especially on short commutes.
Respect fellow travelers. Occupy no more room than that to which one person is entitled. Do not allow briefcases, luggage, or umbrellas to occupy needed sitting or standing room.
Keep your voice down and music to yourself. Loud phone calls, conversations, and music distract and disturb fellow passengers who may be trying to work, rest, or think.
Comply with boarding instructions and then move to your seat as quickly as possible. Do not obstruct others as you stow your luggage. Move out of the aisle so others can pass.
Remember, this is a public mode of transportation and other travelers’ comfort, convenience, and safety are as important as yours. Take up the space, including storage and foot room, for which you paid and no more.
Recline your seat, if you desire, but look back first and ask politely if you may do so. Yes, you are within your rights to recline, but considering the person behind you who may be eating or working is just courteous. Do not ever employ a device that prevents others from reclining. Not only is that presumptuous, it is against airline rules. There are simple solutions to get more legroom: pay for it or fly with airlines that offer more space.
Follow the instructions of the crew for seatbelt and electronic device use. Do not argue or cause a disruption. Airlines have zero tolerance for such behavior, and you may be required to deplane.
Do not presume your seatmates want to engage in conversation. Read their nonverbal cues, and respect signals that they wish to work, read, or rest.
Accept delays as part of travel. Everyone is in the same situation. Arguing with gate personnel makes you look like an inexperienced and unsophisticated traveler.
Obey all traffic signals and rules of the road.
Make sure you and the bicycle are properly equipped.
Use hand signals to alert others of your intentions.
Give notice before passing and a wide berth when doing so. Try not to startle pedestrians or other riders as you pass by them.
Watch where you’re going. Observe traffic signals and never try to beat a light, especially when there is oncoming traffic. Do not assume drivers see you.
Step aside to use your electronic device. Texting and taking photos, especially with selfie sticks, are to be avoided in the middle of a sidewalk. They can slow you down, cause you to abruptly stop or collide with someone or something, or even cause you to walk into traffic. Using earbuds that restrict hearing is equally dangerous.
Keep to the right on the sidewalk, and try to keep a brisk pace so others do not continually need to pass you. Be considerate of those who are slower, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those pushing strollers or with arms full of groceries.
Do not walk two-, three-, or even four-abreast or have impromptu mid-sidewalk meetings. Others may be forced into traffic to get around you.
Getting the ingredients right to achieve the highest level of professional presence enables employees to present their best versions of themselves in the workplace.
Develop and display an all-star personal brand.
Embrace a stellar attitude.
Attire yourself appropriately for your corporate culture.
Realize that small behaviors make big impressions.