Personal Image versus Professional Image ?

Many people ask me if personal image is the same as professional image, the answer is “yes” because we are one same person, but there are some details that are worth mentioning here.

The professional or corporate image is a global concept. To acquire it, it is essential to define the philosophy and culture of the company we work for. The projection of our image must be positive, solid, efficient and inspiring confidence, transmitting the values of the entity we represent.

This professional image is based on certain factors that will provide security:

• The choice of clothing
• Personal cleanliness
• The location of the work (geographical place)
• The effectiveness of communication
• Good manners
• Personal behavior

 

• Professional clothing implies a selection of appropriate clothing according to one’s profession, the policies of the company for which one works (it should be noted that some are more conservative than others), the level of interaction with the client, the geographical location, i.e. the sector in which we move, the care and maintenance of the clothing, the appropriate styles depending on the circumstances, the types of functions and the budgetary resources available.
• Personal grooming involves the care of hair, nails, teeth and make-up.
• The geographical location of the work is another aspect to consider, it is not the same to work in an office in the city center area or in a rural area.
• In order to be effective, communication can be divided into two parts:

1. Non-verbal language includes the clothing, gestures, posture and attitude of the behavior we adopt.
2. Effective communication is nothing more than knowing how to express oneself correctly, listening carefully and knowing how to write well, that is to say, writing with concise and clear ideas and without spelling errors.

• Good manners are, above all, good education, which implies respect for others. It is the way or the style with which we handle daily life and in different areas, applying behaviors based on respect and courtesy, thus contributing to improving social and professional relationships.
• Personal behavior refers to the relationships we maintain throughout our lives with the different groups in which we participate: at work, in study, in social life, in the family and in the community where we live.These bonds are born, strengthened and lasting according to the level of commitment, the type of personal communication and trust.

 

Personal behavior, in order to be fruitful, must have a solid foundation:

1. Trust and confidence, trust is a determining factor when it comes to establishing a working, social or personal relationship.
2. To be aware of oneself, to know how we are, how we will act in different situations and what our preferences are.
3. Self-regulation, what to say, how to say it and when to be silent. Speaking slowly, maintaining a relaxed and secure posture are different ways to become the architects of our results.
4. Be motivated, alert, positive and aware that opportunities are few and that we must know how to take advantage of them.
5. To relate with empathy, not to prejudge the other, this means not to label or pigeonhole anyone, even less to discriminate, whatever the reason. Opening up offers great opportunities.
6. Develop social skills, manage interpersonal relationships successfully. Interact positively, be communicative, a good host, respectful, considerate and make a habit of good humor to nurture relationships with others, especially in family, work and society in general.