Kay’s Consulting Corner

Each month in this section, Kay offers actionable career consulting tips.

Lead With Style

1.  Dress the part - Proper style doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be right.  Begin with these simple rules from head to toe.

• Hair - Select a smart hair style that keeps its shape throughout the day and that is age appropriate.  Your style should be updated, but not trendy or unnatural in color.
• Jewelry – Statement necklaces are ‘in’, but may not be appropriate for your office depending on the culture.  If you do go with a statement necklace, earrings, bracelets and rings should be very simple.  Balance is key.  One piece of jewelry can stand out, while the others should remain minimal.  If in doubt, ask yourself “If I aspire to be the president or upper management, do I have the look of presidential material?”
• Neckline - Anything lower than 4 inches below the collar bone is too low.  Nothing should plunge and cleavage should never show at the office.  Period.  Likewise, bra straps should not show, and anything sleeveless should be extended to cover the shoulder.  Save spaghetti straps for outside summertime fun.
• Fabrics – Wear a camisole under sheer tops, or a sweater or blazer over them.
• Hemlines – Knee length or just below is always appropriate.  Anything over 1 inch above the knee sends the wrong message.
• Shoes, purses, bags and coats – All accessories should be clean and well kept.  Scuff marks, tears, ripped seams, missing buttons, and anything too tight or too large gives off an air of carelessness and being inattentive.

2.  Clean it Up - Proper dressing and a crisp appearance is just the beginning.  Your work environment broadcasts your attitude and work ethics.  Use these quick tips to streamline your work area.

• Sort and Decide - Go through everything in all drawers and on shelves.  Decide for each item whether to remove, repair or retain it.
• Clean and Organize – Place items in drawers, on shelves and on your desk based on your workflow and frequency of accessing items.  Clean all surfaces and items first.
• Name and Maintain – Use labels, stickers or color coding to organize files, binders, bins, boxes, etc.  Once your area is refreshed, clean and organized, maintain your environment by making a commitment to take 10 minutes periodically to reset your area.

3.  Play Smart – Learn and understand the corporate/company vision and direction.  Maintain and incorporate these tenets in your workflow, relationships and work output.  Going against them will come off as unprofessional.

Know and follow the unspoken rules.  Unspoken rules include things like:

• Arrive early to work.
• Don’t gossip or take long breaks.
• Stick to your one-hour lunch break
• Don’t eat food at your desk.  This includes lunch and snacks.
• Don’t use social media during work hours.
• Limit personal texting.
• Don’t leave before 5.
• Work a little past 5 at least one day a week.

Playing smart and working to further your company’s vision and direction does not guarantee an automatic promotion, but it is an important part of a larger strategy of advancing your career.

To develop a strategy for a promotion or career advancement, which includes these tips and more, give me a call or email me today.

Ready to Take Your Career to the Next Level?

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Refer a Friend Promo

Spread the news and reap rewards.  Receive cash in hand, or credit toward the High-Heeled Success^® workshop ‘Kick Start Your High-Heeled Success™’ on January 16, or a future workshop registration.

• 1 – 2 people $25
• 3 – 4 people $45
• 5 or more     $65

*Your referral should put your name in the comments box when they register online, or provide your name if they call the office at 513-561-4288 to register.  Cash incentives awarded during workshop.

Client Case Study – Wanda Ganjehsani

I met Kay in the spring when she was the keynote speaker at a conference I attended.  As she told her stories, immediately I heard myself and some of my challenges reflected in those stories.  Ms. Fittes offered a complimentary consultation and during that session I immediately felt comfortable with her and sensed a connection.  My obstacles were clear but I was unsure what to do to banish those obstacles.  It’s very easy to get in a rut and not see the obvious, so having a different perspective is quite beneficial.  Then we took the next step to a formal coaching relationship.

It has been a great experience to have Kay guiding me.  I have quickly taken her advice and applied it.  Here are just a few of the results:

• My confidence has been built and I am trying new communication techniques at work.
• Conflict situations that were difficult before are far less stressful now.  Being less afraid is quite empowering.
• I realize I have the right to my opinions, plus my worst fears about that expression have never materialized.
• Dealing with authority figures is far less intimidating, as I am approaching my boss with the mindset of being her advocate and shifting the balance of power.

I recently told a classmate, “Coaching with Kay is one of the best things I’ve ever done, having a career coach is key.  Even though I am a Learning and Development professional and cognitively knew many of the issues we have addressed, it’s challenging to make changes because we are just too close to our own issues.  More people should look into being coached.

Wanda Ganjehsani, PHR
www.linkedin.com/in/wanda-ganjehsani-phr-shrm-cp-787a7b7a

High-Heeled Success^® supports Dress for Success through donations of clothing, time and money.  We offer complimentary seats at every workshop for women participating in the Dress for Success program.

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Contact Info:

Website: https://www.highheeledsuccess.com

Email: kay@highheeledsuccess.com

Phone:  (513) 561-4288

©Copyright 2015.  Kay Fittes.  All Rights Reserved.