Recently a topic that I have not addressed in any of my TRIPLE III TIME messages unexpectedly was brought up during a staff training session on communication.  The importance of having your own…personal dress code for work was put on the table as part of a continuous improvement discussion.  Well as you can guess my initial response was that most workplaces often have a formal dress code policy that specifically outlines what is and is not acceptable.  However, I was able to “strategically” link the dress code issue to our communication discussion…and yes…for example purposes only…a major part of the dress code lesson came in the form of words from my Dad.

First please understand that my Dad was a man of few words, so we rarely had an indepth discussion about anything. As a result, whenever I would stop by his regular question was: “What do you do at your work anyway?” And of course, I would try to explain my public service/administration role…but in the end I realized the question was just a way to at least get a conversation started.

However, one point that Dad made that has remained with me my whole career was his notice of and support for my practice of wearing a suit and tie everyday.  I told him it was my version of a uniform and that it just felt right.  Well his simple comment was: “I am glad you dress in a suit everyday.  If you look like you mean business…then people will know you mean business.”

When you walk in a room as part of work business…does your appearance say you mean business?  Think about it.  No matter your business or service…does your PERSONAL work dress code convey a message that you “mean business” to your co-workers, leadership, customers, students or agency partners?

I know my personal dress code has been an asset my whole career…has yours helped you?

And thanks again Dad.