July 31st, 2024

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I’m sure you will all agree that in our line of work – be it quality, safety, environment, or any other standards-related fields, there’s this unspoken rule about how we should look. You know the drill: the classic ‘professional’ get-up, think brown cardigans, elbow patches, and maybe a bowtie. It’s like we’re trying to fit this mold of what a serious professional is supposed to look like. But let’s be real, does this actually represent who we are, or are we just playing dress-up to meet industry standards?

Think about it. What if you’re more about bright pinks and comfy sneakers? Or maybe you’ve got some awesome tattoos you don’t feel like hiding. Should we worry that being ourselves might make others question our professionalism.

As someone working in ISO auditing, consulting, or similar fields, I understand that we have an image to maintain. But does that mean we have to hide who we really are? I’ve been there, eager to be myself in brighter colors and sneakers (where OH&S allows of course!), yet somehow still ending up in a bland, colorless outfit because I thought it was the right thing to do. And I’m not alone.

I’ve seen plenty of colleagues in our industry, men and women, who love their tattoos without feeling the need to cover up. Gone are the days when you had to wear long sleeves to hide your true self.

This leaves us with a big question: Are we showing the world our real selves, or just what we think they expect from us? And what about our clients – what do they actually want to see in us?

Navigating this balance between blending in and standing out isn’t just about picking clothes. It’s about defining who we are as professionals in a world that’s quickly changing its views on what ‘professional’ really means.

Signature Styles: Buddies to Boardrooms

When I get together with my friends, it’s always interesting to see how our fashion choices reflect our unique personalities. Each of us, while in similar life stages, expresses ourselves differently through our clothes. One friend always turns up in classic, tailored suits and another goes for bold, unconventional outfits that are really stand out in a crowd. I have another friend, that no matter what the weather, they wear a nice singlet because they love to display their tattoos (and why not, they are amazing!) This variety in our dress, much like our individual personalities, brings excitement, differing opinions and healthy conversation to our group.

In my professional life in a normally conservative industry, I see a parallel here. Just as our different fashion styles amongst my friends brings different perspectives and ideas, a workplace that values individuality encourages a culture of innovation and creativity. This diversity of thought and approach is particularly beneficial in my field. It enhances our problem-solving skills and auditing techniques, aligning perfectly with the principles of quality management and continual improvement.

Moreover, allowing personal style to shine through in professional dress plays an important role in building an authentic and approachable image. This is crucial in establishing trust with clients and stakeholders.

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Embrace your authentic professional self and explore how this aligns with becoming a Successful ISO Consultant where we delve into integrating personal authenticity with professional excellence.

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In the Harvard Business Review (HBR) article Authenticity | The New Rules of Work Clothes, Naima Judge, a Managing Director & Market Investment Executive, shares her journey of transitioning from traditional black and brown suits to more vibrant attire in the financial services industry.

Embracing brighter colors and styles that felt more authentic to her, Judge highlights the deeper significance of this shift. It wasn’t just about comfort; it was about bringing her authentic self to the office, and consciously serving as a role model, in a conservative field. Judge believes that allowing attire to be an expression of who you are can have profound benefits. It saves the energy otherwise spent in conforming, which can instead be directed towards focusing on clients and uplifting colleagues.

This approach to professional attire sends a powerful message about the value of authenticity in the workplace, challenging traditional norms and setting a new tone for office and professional dress codes.

Discovering Authentic Professionalism

As we’ve been exploring the balance between our unique personal styles and the expectations of our professional roles, it brings us to a visual representation that captures this concept perfectly. A visual representation where our individual fashion choices and professional standards overlap, showing us the sweet spot for authentic professional expression.

Professional Standards: In this section, we find the embodiment of traditional professional attire and the established norms of our respective industries. It’s where we adhere to formal dress codes, embrace conservative styles, and adopt behaviors that align with conventional expectations. This represents the world of professional standards, where we honor (possibly begrudgingly) the protocols and traditions that define our roles.

Individual Style: On the opposite side, we celebrate our unique individuality. It’s a realm where our personal taste shines through in our attire and behaviors. Here, we embrace the freedom to express ourselves creatively, make bold fashion choices, and let our personalities flourish. This represents the world of individual style, where our authenticity and personal flair come to life.

Authentic Professionalism: In this intersection of Professional Standards and Individual Style, we discover the concept of “Authentic Professionalism.” Here, our professional standards and individual style coexist harmoniously. It’s where we strike the perfect balance between respecting industry norms and expressing our true selves. In this space, we radiate confidence, authenticity, and a unique professional identity that resonates with colleagues and clients alike. Authentic Professionalism is the sweet spot where we embrace our individuality while upholding the professionalism our roles demand.

Your Next Steps to Success

1. Self-Reflection: Take a moment for self-reflection. Consider your personal style, what makes you feel confident, and how you express yourself through clothing and demeanor.
   
2. Professional Adaptation: Explore ways to adapt your personal style to align with professional expectations. Identify key elements that can maintain your individuality while meeting workplace standards.
   
3. Wardrobe Audit: Conduct a wardrobe audit to assess your current attire. Identify pieces that strike the right balance between personal expression and professionalism.
   
4. Consult a Stylist: Consider consulting a professional stylist who specializes in blending personal style with workplace appropriateness. They can offer valuable insights and advice.
   
5. Confidence Building: Work on building your confidence in your chosen professional style. Embrace the fusion of your personal and professional selves to present an authentic, confident image in your workplace.

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