Managerial Communication Report

Communication 3300: Business and Professional Presentations

MANAGERIAL COMMUNICATION REPORT

TO: Mr. Hopton

FROM: John Banders

SUBJECT: Managerial Report: Constructing Your Professional Business Image

DATE: December 13, 2007

In today's politically correct climate we are not supposed to give any credence to the fact that people can be and are routinely discriminated against because of their appearance. Unfortunately, in our politically correct world, perception is reality. Corporations of all sizesÐ'--big and smallÐ'--go through great lengths to build a company's image and establish a good report with its customers. They also spend millions of dollars each year planning how to protect that image. Therefore, as it is vital for employees and managers alike to be aware at all times to uphold their professional business image because their image projects the image and success of the companies they work for. Equipping first-time work force entrants and existing business men and women with knowledge of this topic is important, as they will be provided with the do's and don'ts of constructing and maintaining a professional business image to ensure their individual success in the job market.

Preview

This report will explain the importance of being professional in the business world as well as cover the following topics on how to construct a professional business image: work attire, wardrobe selection and business etiquette. Each topic will point out commonly overlooked problems pertaining to projecting a professional image and include recommendations on how to remedy each problem.

Investigation

Communication with difficult coworkers is a topic that has been heavily researched. Several articles relevant to the topic of constructing a professional business image are available online. Thomsett (1991) discusses in "The Little Black Book of Business Etiquette guidelines on how to communicate a professional image with the use of proper dress code. Wardrobe do's and don'ts along with recommendations is thoroughly covered in an online journal article by Eastern University of Illinois. Finally, a journalist Julie Beckham covers business etiquette in "Protecting a Professional Image for Your Company."

Professionalism

Webster's online dictionary defines the word professionalism as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. With that being said, everything we do in the work place should be characteristic of that that profession image and standards. Your work attire, wardrobe selection, and personal business etiquette can make a powerful statement about your business. It should, of course, be the type of statement that will represent your business in a good light. James Ammeen, president of the Men's Apparel Alliance says, "A professional image can translate into improved work ethics and growth in overall productivity." (Fetto)

Work Attire

The dress code policy for every business is specific to that business's industry standards. How much you are able to deviate from the dress code is debatable, but the work attire rules are based on the key word: conformity. According to the "American Industry Dress Code Survey," a national poll of 201 senior executives at companies with over $500 million in annual revenue, more than half of large business (56 percent) maintain a business attire policyÐ'--that means a suit and tie for the men and a suit or dress for women. Unless your success in a particular industry depends on you going against the status quo, stay within the dress code margins. A successful manager wears attire that doesn't draw attention to their clothing, but to the high standards of the company they work for. This rule of thumb is essential to keeping you in the race for company promotions and increasing you favor with the movers and shakers of industry. Peers and supervisors perceive you as someone who does not know how to dress in the professional environment; they may conclude that you are not a serious candidate for promotion. Here are some pitfalls you may want to heed:

Ð'* Ill-fitting, poorly-made business outfits are the mark of inexperience and are associated with those new to the business scene or those who have not yet discovered the importance of appearance.

Ð'* Out-of-style dress is often seen as the sign of obsolescence. Others may subconsciously associate your personal dress code with way you think.

Ð'* Excessively expensive, high fashion, or loud clothing is perceived as insecure or insensitive to the business environment.

Wardrobe Selection

People will label carelessly dressed as disorganized or liberally minded person in a conservatively minded company. The easiest way to decide how to dress on the job is by observation. The individual who fits in wellÐ'--in other words, whose clothing is not really noticedÐ'--has found the middle ground that clears the way for career success. Here are some recommendations for both men and women proper dress attire.

Work Attire for Men

Ð'* A two piece suit in navy or another dark color.

Ð'* A tie in a simple pattern that matches the colors of your suit.

Ð'* Button down dress shirt (white or pastel).

Ð'* Polished dress shoes in a dark color.

Ð'* No earrings! If you normally wear one, take it out.

Ð'* Get a haircut. Short hair always fares best.

Ð'* Clean trimmed fingernails.

Ð'* Minimal cologne.

Ð'* Light briefcase or portfolio case.

Work Attire for Women

Ð'* A neutral colored suit in navy or another dark color with a skirt.