by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: February 25, 2008

Self-Image entails everything about us from appearance, to mannerisms, to conduct, to our level of education, and our lifetime accomplishments. Wherever we go our self-images lead the way. As soon as others see us or hear us; whether in a park or a school or a movie theatre, they begin to evaluate us based on images we present to them such as the way we dress, comb our hair, move across a room, the way we stand, the sound of our voices, our language usage, and topics of discussion. In that we respond to one another based on perceptions our images display, the images we present to others will likely determine or guide the manner in which others interact with us. These images or self-images are important in the business world because utilizing them to our advantage can help us to get ahead.

A few of the most important self-image attributes we should pay close attention to are (1) advancing ourselves academically, (2) communicating our ideas and getting along with others - especially in regards to working as team-members, and (3) perhaps the most important aspect of self-image - our appearance.

Studies have shown that appearance plays such a strong role in the way others perceive us that our assessment "window of opportunity" to make a good impression can be as much as sixty seconds and as little as one half a second. Either way, the time-frame we have to make a memorable "first impression" is very minimal.

In order to encourage others to view us in the lights of our choices, we must first view ourselves in these lights. If we want to become scientists we must think, act and look like scientists. If we want to become dancers we must think, act, look, and "feel" like dancers. Likewise, if we want to become executives or otherwise work in white-collar jobs, we must think, act, and look like white-collar workers. If we don't think, act, or look as though we belong in the fields we are pursuing, others won't see us in those lights. Failing to represent even one of the traits necessary to move along in the business world can be to our detriment.

Years ago I witnessed a former coworker with a low self-perception blow a chance to get ahead after two like-opportunities for advancement opened in the field in which we worked. We decided to put in for the jobs believing we'd be shoe-ins since we were working in the hiring department.

Our applications made it through the screening process and we were invited in for interviews that called for applicants to sit across from a panel

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