How You Show Up Matters

Issue #29

As I mentioned in a previous issue, I eased my way into the New Year to ensure I was setting the right intentions for my personal journey. Now that I have things mapped out, I’m focusing on WHERE I want to be and HOW I want to show up.

Which brings us to this week’s lesson….

Look The Part

While it shouldn’t really matter, HOW you show up plays an integral part in being taken seriously. Even more so, unfortunately, for women looking to break down walls and shatter glass ceilings.

Last month at my Vistage meeting our speaker touched on it while discussing the brain science behind selling. His key takeaway – for most of us, perception is reality. He shared two personal stories of appointments with two of the best eye doctors in the country and how his judgement was clouded by his first impressions. One, he shared, worked out of an old and outdated office with water stains on the ceiling and dingy waiting room chairs. He also didn’t have the best bedside manner, which didn’t help his case. The second had a gleaming office in a new high rise building, a welcoming receptionist, and a whole team who was up to speed on his issue and had a treatment plan mapped out. In the end, he did end up working with both doctors (two different specialties), but it took a lot of convincing to believe that the first doctor really was the best in his field.

One of the other key lessons I’ve learned on this topic over the years is that if you FEEL comfortable, you’re more likely to BE comfortable. We exude confidence from the inside out, and the more we can be our authentic selves, the easier and more natural it becomes.

I’ve tried wearing a blazer over the years to look more “professional,” but find them restricting, so I’ve gone back to my go to outfit – a pretty scarf, sweater, dress pants and loafers. Find what works for you and then show up as your best and most comfortable self so there’s no room to doubt that you belong. The knock their socks off!! 🤩

With you on the journey,