By Skip Lineberg
That’s right. Cleavage.
As the owner of a boutique communications firm, I’ve hired and worked with young executives for over a decade and there’s something I need to get off MY chest. I know everyone wants to be attractive and stylish. But if your cleavage is screaming, “Look at me!” it’s tough to get others to pay attention to anything else, especially your great ideas.
If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of your attire, ask a trusted friend for their opinion. Otherwise, if it feels like people (especially men) are looking at you differently… you may be suffering from the proverbial wardrobe malfunction.
So ladies, by all means stand out because of what you have on top. Just make sure it’s your mind.
P.S. Guys – if you’re showing cleavage, we need to talk, too.
Note: This is Part 3 in a series called the “2010 Career Challenge: Becoming a Rock Star from A to Z” by Emily Bennington and Skip Lineberg, co-authors of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job.
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What did you say? I was paying attention to something else….
(JK, fun post. And I loved your TAP answer about personal branding. Thought I’d get in touch.)
Thanks Joshua and – for the record – that’s NOT me in the photo. Haha!
I love this! It’s so true…So many parts of your wardrobe can be distracting, especially when you are trying to be recognized as a professional. My big pet peeve: The “MUFFIN TOP” Ew.