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Making Your Image Count
It's not what you think that matters most, it's what others think that counts most.
How much thought have you given to how you look, sound, and show up in your professional world?
In the sweepstakes of life, you should never underestimate the importance of a commanding physical image
It’s not what you think that matters most—it’s what others see. Over 50% of first impressions are based on appearance, and 1 in 3 hiring decisions are influenced by how someone is dressed—especially when being considered for sponsorship or respect at the most senior levels. As your seniority grows—or if you're aiming to step up—you need to elevate your image to reflect that level. A sharp, confident appearance helps you command the room, project authority, and if you’re nervous, feel more confident too. Your image sets the tone before you speak—make sure it works for you, not against you.
How would others score you out of 10 for the image you present?
What's your situation?
Whatever your current role or goals, how you present yourself matters.
If you’re aiming for promotion, dress and carry yourself like you already belong at the next level. If you’re in between jobs, showing up sharp boosts your confidence and credibility. When working from home, your backdrop and appearance still speak volumes—make them count.
Whether you’re leading, job-seeking, or just showing up—gravitas, impact, and influence are built, not assumed.
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The workplace has grown increasingly casual—and with it, a complacency in personal presentation.
Could that be true of you?
If your appearance were your business card, what impression would it make?
What kind of bee are you?
Ask yourself if you’re a “Worker Bee” or a “King or Queen Bee” type?
If you're aged under 40 then "being casual and complacent" is this an accusation that could be levelled at you?
You’re in an age group with heavy exposure to casual dress codes, which for many has become a de facto norm. In these casual dress environments, if your choice of dress code is also casual, you’ll look very much the same as everyone else, on the same level as everyone else, and it creates a baseline image that may come across as casual in attitude too.
More worker bee than king or queen bee.
If you want to stand out as a role model or signal readiness for bigger opportunities, consider elevating your style to project a more sophisticated or leadership-ready image.
If your appearance were your business card, what impression would it make?
Aged 40-50
Your experience speaks volumes, but your presentation should reflect your interests and motivations.
These might include maintaining job security, being seen as a role model or mentor, or moving up a level. It’s an age group where you have the potential to reach your peak professionally, but it’s also a time when you could plateau or start regressing.
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A polished, professional image sets you apart as a trusted authority—avoid looking tired or outdated to stay relevant and influential in a competitive workplace.
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Aged 50 or over
The Oldest People in Town – At Your Strongest or Most Exposed? By your 50s, you’re either hitting your stride—or entering your most vulnerable professional years. It’s the age where experience can be your superpower… or where your career risks losing momentum.
Staying sharp, relevant, and energised is essential. Without that, you may be seen as outdated or lacking impact—especially when competing with younger, fast-moving talent.
Presentation matters. Clothes, posture, and energy all send signals. And behind that presence is your fuel: diet and exercise. It’s not about vanity—it’s about mental clarity, stamina, and staying in the game.
Experience is powerful, but only if paired with vitality and relevance. Show up sharp, stay competitive.
Aged 40-50
Does the way you show up say “ready for promotion” or “stuck in the same gear”?
Executive Presence
As you move from Manager to Leader, or aspire to do so, you need an image that conveys Leadership and Executive Presence rather than that of a first-line manager.
Leaders are associated with determining strategy and inspiring people.
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How you present yourself—through attire, demeanor, and communication—should reflect the strategic mindset and gravitas expected of your role, distinguishing you from first-line managers or individual contributors. Your presence sets the standard for your team and peers. Importantly, as your level of seniority rises, you need to continually elevate the image you project, both in the office and when you’re working from home.
Does the way you show up say “ready for promotion” or “stuck in the same gear”?
Ten Pointers
Dress shapes perceived credibility. Appearance drives leadership impact.
Here are ten marginal gains that collectively add up and will help you elevate your personal brand and executive presence.
Point 1 Colours Count
Neutral colours present the most sophisticated and credible image.
Build your wardrobe around timeless neutral tones like navy, black, grey, and white.
Solid (block) colours are the safest and smartest choice to project professionalism.
White shirts exude professionalism and remain a classic option, while light blue shirts offer a confident, calm, and slightly less formal look with a professional edge.
Women have more flexibility in style choices but should approach loud colours like green, red, or orange with caution, as they can sometimes overwhelm or detract from a polished appearance. Similarly, overly soft tones might appear less authoritative in certain settings.
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Block colours are the most effective choice for a polished and professional look.
Say “No” to patterns with patterns...
Combining multiple patterned items is often visually messy and rarely matches well. Patterns being stripes, checks, dots etc
If you choose to wear a patterned piece, such as a checked shirt or blouse, pair it with solid-coloured suits or jackets to create a balanced and sophisticated appearance.
Marginal Gains
The little things add up. How you present yourself impacts credibility. Want to be taken seriously? Look the part, lead by example, and set the standard.
Consistency
Do you look good some of the time, or all of the time.
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If you wish to present the best version of yourself, then not only do you need to consistently look good but also to make small, consistent changes in how you present yourself can have a huge impact. When you show up looking sharp and put-together, you feel more confident—and others take you more seriously. A well-groomed, polished image signals professionalism and earns respect. Over time, these small efforts shape how you’re perceived, reinforcing credibility, authority, and influence.
Looking like a role model!
POINT 5
Working From Home
Have you ever noticed this during Zoom meetings? Someone’s working from their bedroom, dining room, or lounge. Their background might be cluttered with laundry, clothes, sports gear, messy shelves, or boxes—or perhaps their setting looks outdated! In virtual meetings, your surroundings matter. They’re a reflection of you. Ensure your home office backdrop is tidy, well-lit, and conveys a professional image that aligns with your seniority and credibility.
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As your level of seniority and experience progresses, it’s expected that you have a home office or, at the very least, a dedicated, smart area.
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This shows that you care, that you’ve made an effort, and that you’re serious and committed to your work. A clean, uncluttered backdrop exudes professionalism. Consider incorporating subtle, work-appropriate elements, such as bookshelves with neatly arranged books, a tasteful piece of artwork, or a plant. Avoid virtual backgrounds—they can create a sense of inauthenticity. Someone might wonder, “What are you hiding?” They can also appear unprofessional due to glitches and tech quality issues.
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Look at the lens!
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Understand that every one of us would benefit from looking at the lens of our camera more - to make a better connection with the people we're meeting with.​​
POINT 6
Trendy Beards & Fascial Hair
People will form opinions about you. Consciously or subconsciously, they’ll observe you. What they’re really thinking, they may not tell you! We’re living in an era of choice, personal expression, and independence. However, if you aim to project a sophisticated appearance, a neutral and clean-cut image will always present you in the best light.
POINT 7
Alignment With Your Industry & Occupational Type
Dress a Level Up for Key Moments
For high-stakes meetings, such as important client interactions or executive presentations, consider elevating your attire beyond your usual standard. Dressing a level up demonstrates professionalism, confidence, and respect for the occasion, leaving a lasting impression.
Context Is Key
Let the setting dictate your outfit. Whether you're presenting in a formal boardroom, networking at a casual event, or visiting a client site, ensure your attire complements the environment. A well-considered outfit signals adaptability and attentiveness to the situation.
Showcase Awareness and Respect
Dressing appropriately for your role and surroundings goes beyond mere appearance—it demonstrates your situational awareness, professionalism, and respect for those you engage with. Your attire can also help set the tone for delicate interactions. For instance, when delivering difficult news, such as announcing redundancies, or managing a sensitive customer or media situation, your choice of attire should convey empathy, authority, and composure. Thoughtful dressing in these moments signals that you understand the gravity of the situation and are prepared to approach it with care and respect.
What does your Zoom background say about your credibility?
Managing Your Mood & Energy Levels
POINT 8
One of the standout characteristics of leaders and role models is their ability to energise others. You can't energise others without being energised yourself. Exercise and a good diet boost energy levels.
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The highest-calibre professionals are also able to maintain calmness and focus under pressure. Exercise has stress-busting effects.
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So make a point of managing your mood and energy levels and making it a habit.
Are You Showing Up the Way You Think You Are?
In today’s back-to-back, Zoom-driven world, too many people are failing to really show up. They don’t smile. They don’t greet others properly. They don’t engage. They go through meetings in a transactional haze—offering little presence, personality, or connection.
It’s become widespread since 2020, cutting across all age groups—but especially common among professionals under 40.
And here’s the issue: when you’re operating at senior levels or dealing with complex challenges, presence matters. Energy matters. Rapport matters. If you're not making the effort to connect, you're limiting your influence—whether you realise it or not.
POINT 9
Manners Maketh the Man or Woman
Good manners aren’t just about politeness—they shape how others see and respond to you. Simple acts like saying “please” and “thank you,” listening attentively, and showing respect in conversations count. There's an expression "the mark of a big man or woman is how she treats a little one". The way you treat others reflects your professionalism, influence, and ability to inspire those around you.
POINT 10
A strong first impression sets the tone for how others perceive you. A warm smile, a firm handshake, and a confident greeting like “Good morning” or “How are you?” signal presence, approachability, and authority. In leadership roles, these small but powerful gestures build rapport, command respect, and establish you as someone people trust and want to engage with.
First impressions count
Your LinkedIn Photo
Exactly what does your LinkedIn photo showcase? LinkedIn is a professional not a social network.
Does your photo align with your level of seniority, industry and occupational type, and the values you need to represent? If you're not looking at the camera, you're not going to connect as well with the person viewing your profile.
The best photos are ones in which you'd be facing the camera, smiling, and presenting a professional, positive, and neutral image.
What changes if any would you like to make?
Take a moment to reflect.
How well does your image align with the level you work at—or aspire to? Re-read the article and consider: What changes would benefit you most?
If unsure, look to role models inside and outside your sector. Broaden your perspective.
Better yet, ask trusted colleagues how you come across.
Do you present well all the time—or just some of the time? If it’s the latter, could that be holding you back?
Contact
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