Crazy Rich Asians is a movie about a Chinese-American economics professor from a modest background who falls for a super-handsome fellow academic in New York, without knowing that he is a Singaporean aristocrat who is "richer than God.". The first major Hollywood production with a predominantly Asian cast in 25 years, not a single central character is played by a white actor. This is a breakthrough in American cinema - an entire movie about Asians without martial arts or stereotypical nerds - as last year there were only four Asian leads in the 100 top-grossing films.
The game has changed.
Good performance alone will not get you the promotion you want. Years of experience and service won't prevent you from being downsized. I now recognize the importance of going beyond performance. Image is the corporate "it" factor.
Image affects not only the workplace but also how clients, customers and other companies view you, your associates and your subordinates. Professionalism produces trust among peers and customers, fostering an image of competence, confidence and reliability.
Like it or not, perception is everything in the business world. Executive presence becomes increasingly important the higher you move up in an organization.
Leaders with executive presence demonstrate honesty, integrity and the ability to continually enrich a conversation. They are also skilled at listening and asking questions. Colleagues and clients immediately recognize the crispness of their thinking. It also requires understanding and mastery of a package of intangibles - passion, compassion, genuineness, authenticity, humour and humility.
Make no mistake. I'm not arguing that you must shed your personal tastes when it comes to your dress, speech and behaviour. I'm merely advising that you express your individuality within the boundaries of what's considered appropriate in particular situations.
For years, denial was my number one cause of failure. It all started with awareness - with recognizing (or rather should I say, I was helped to recognize) that I needed to change my image. Resistance to change was the second leading cause of failure for me until the day I finally decided that I will take actionable steps to change. Changing your image requires a sincere desire to change.
Like me, you can choose someone who you feel is observant and a good judge of others. Invite that colleague, boss , partner or mentor to give you feedback on how you come across to others.
Don't think for a minute that you can dress better, sharpen your speech, develop a winning manner and fool folks. Remember you are in for the long haul. You can fool some people, some of the time and will. But if you are true to yourself and to others, your brand image will project authenticity. Others will sense that you are honest, real and sincere.
The game has changed.
Good performance alone will not get you the promotion you want. Years of experience and service won't prevent you from being downsized. I now recognize the importance of going beyond performance. Image is the corporate "it" factor.
Image affects not only the workplace but also how clients, customers and other companies view you, your associates and your subordinates. Professionalism produces trust among peers and customers, fostering an image of competence, confidence and reliability.
Like it or not, perception is everything in the business world. Executive presence becomes increasingly important the higher you move up in an organization.
Leaders with executive presence demonstrate honesty, integrity and the ability to continually enrich a conversation. They are also skilled at listening and asking questions. Colleagues and clients immediately recognize the crispness of their thinking. It also requires understanding and mastery of a package of intangibles - passion, compassion, genuineness, authenticity, humour and humility.
Make no mistake. I'm not arguing that you must shed your personal tastes when it comes to your dress, speech and behaviour. I'm merely advising that you express your individuality within the boundaries of what's considered appropriate in particular situations.
For years, denial was my number one cause of failure. It all started with awareness - with recognizing (or rather should I say, I was helped to recognize) that I needed to change my image. Resistance to change was the second leading cause of failure for me until the day I finally decided that I will take actionable steps to change. Changing your image requires a sincere desire to change.
Like me, you can choose someone who you feel is observant and a good judge of others. Invite that colleague, boss , partner or mentor to give you feedback on how you come across to others.
Don't think for a minute that you can dress better, sharpen your speech, develop a winning manner and fool folks. Remember you are in for the long haul. You can fool some people, some of the time and will. But if you are true to yourself and to others, your brand image will project authenticity. Others will sense that you are honest, real and sincere.
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