One of the quirkiest stories to come out of the Milan-Cortina winter Olympics was ‘penis-gate’. According to German newspaper BILD, ski jumpers have been injecting themselves with hyaluronic acid before being measured for their suits. Apparently, this can increase the circumference by one or two centimetres. Bigger appendage, bigger suit, more surface area, increased time in the air. Who knew!!!
As well as marvelling at the incredible displays of skill and daring and endurance, I was interested in the array of different types of clothing worn by the athletes. Baggy for snowboarders, streamlined for speed skaters, elegant for figure skaters. All designed to enhance performance and win medals. And, of course, in a world of marginal gains, kit could mean the difference between bronze and gold. A micro adjustment to a piece of equipment might shave a fraction of a second off a ‘run’ and propel the athlete to the top of the podium.
And the same principle applies to us non-Olympians. We may be stepping up to a lectern instead of hurling ourselves down a mountain, but we also need to sweat the small stuff. As Malcolm Gladwell reminds us in Outliers, success is down to hard work, repetition, preparation and attention to detail. Not just or even the natural attributes we’ve been gifted. So, we need to manage as many of the component parts of the ‘activity’ as possible. From the layout of the room to the slides to timing to choreography and yes, dress. For example…..
- For the big stage keynote, which shoes will make you feel both powerful and stable?
- For a conference panel discussion, when you discover you’ll be perched on a high stool, will the choice be skirt or trousers?
- What’s your power breakfast on the morning of a job interview?
Simply put, this is about control. And control is the key to confidence. Because confidence is a muscle which we can grow in really practical ways.
When discussing the issue of dress with my training clients, I like to offer three words of guidance – Comfortable, Confident and Appropriate.
‘Appropriate’ is especially important in the work place. It means appropriate for you – your level of seniority, your role, your sector, your personal brand. But it’s also about being appropriate for your audience and their industry/seniority. Plus, the vibe of the event, especially its level of formality. I know a corporate speaker who (in pre-covid times) received negative feedback because he wasn’t wearing a tie when most of the attendees were. They felt disrespected.
That’s why it was interesting when, last summer, Tom Buckley, the mayor of Henley, caused a stir by wearing a floral shirt, shorts and no socks to a parade of the Royal Marine army and air cadets. He was there in his official capacity and they were in uniform. He was widely criticised but robustly defended himself, asserting that he “wouldn’t allow the role to shape me”. Why not?????
It is entirely possible to remain authentic to your natural style and personality while also respecting the event, the attendees and your job title. His justification centred entirely on himself. He seems not to have considered the impact of his sartorial selection on others.
Which feels a bit rude.
Though maybe not as rude as injecting your ……….
