How should a man be capable of grooming his own horse, or of furbishing his own spear and helmet, if he allows himself to become unaccustomed to tending even his own person, which is his most treasured belonging?
- Alexander the Great -
If I was asked to name the most well-presented person I knew I'd say my father. He was impeccably turned-out most of the time. I don't just mean with his clothing, personal grooming and posture but also with his manners, courtesy, the way he spoke to others, the care and attention he he showed, generosity, patience and attention to detail. You know, I never once heard that man utter a swear word; I can't say the same for myself.
My father's influence wore off on me though, as did the lessons he taught me; Humility, kindness, courtesy and generosity of course but other things also. Self respect, ownership, solid work-ethic, gentlemanliness, how to think before I act and naturally how to represent myself the best I can as often as possible. It stayed with me throughout life.
I had a different life than my father; our journey's ran parallel when I was a kid however at the age of seventeen and a half I was asked (told) by my mother to move out of home and I did - I never went back. I was out in the world and had to make my way as best I can.
I made mistakes, so many damned mistakes. I did difficult things with mixed results and had dark moments but...Yep, there was a flipside also; good times, success and positive return from the thoughts, attitude and actions I injected into my life. It's been a tumultuous life but at the same time there was a constant...The lessons my dad taught me.
I've always worked hard to represent the best version of myself and whilst I'm a complete knucklehead I've mostly done a reasonable job at it I think.
Sure, I've not always been my best version but I believe that I have been more often than not. I've worked so hard, in the past and now, to be a good man and in my profession's have applied ownership, responsibility and discipline to the jobs, the duty or task at hand. It has cost me a great deal but has largely allowed me to stand tall and say, I have acted with honour and integrity.
I've always felt inclined to represent well for myself but when it comes to my jobs have felt compelled.
If I'm paid to do a job I'll work tirelessly to do it to the best of my ability - I'm like that with most things to be honest, the tasks I set for myself also. It's not always been easy but the lift heavy shit ethos has governed my behaviours when it comes to operating on an employers' behalf, no matter who that may be. It means to work hard, find courage and bravery, undertake the activities that get the job done no matter the difficulties or risk and it means to close it out, then look for more shit to lift. That ethos has kept me alive, kept me efficient and productive.
A week ago my new employer handed me a set of business shirts with an embroidered company logo on the right chest section and their catch-phrase embroidered across the back between the shoulder blade area. They look pretty cool. There's no obligation to actually wear them but I don't mind doing so - I'm there to represent them after all. The problem though is that they were too big for me. The arms too long and too baggy in the chest and torso area - I looked like I was wearing a potato sack with a logo on it.
With my represent the best I can ethos they were simply never going to work for me. So...It was off to the tailor with those shirts.
I picked up those five shirts today and the tailor asked me to try one on as it would make her feel better knowing they came out well. I did so and, yep they came out perfectly.
I had darts put in the back and the two side-seams unpicked and tapered to give the shirts a wedge-shape then the cuffs were removed, sleeves shortened and the cuffs replaced. I asked for just a little room, not too much, and she nailed it - That's for those days I eat a hundred donuts. In short, I'm really pleased with how they came out and, considering the $250AUD it cost me to have them tailored, I'm relieved they look so good.
This new job is a little more casual than the one I've had over previous twenty years; in that one I wore a suit every day and yes, had them tailored. Now it's more casual and I'm just as likely to be wearing a polo shirt than a business shirt but there will be times I'll have to style-up a little. No suits though. I'll wear these logo-shirts as well, especially now they look so good.
Personal grooming, being well-dressed, well-mannered, courteous and polite, punctual, respectful, a good listener and a raft of other elements all combine to make a person successful in business; yes, it's situational in respect of which are most important but in general these elements all matter. There's other factors as well however without these I'd not likely win as much business. It shows one cares and has discipline and respect.
It's like the military...They drill the troops, march them up and down the parade ground, enforce standards of grooming and presentation of self and equipment with severe implications for those those don't comply to their satisfaction; it's regimented. Is all of this required to be better at the job? Yes, you bet! In the military one must do as one is ordered without hesitation as lives, or the mission, often rely on people doing so. It starts with those elements above. It's the same in the civilian world, well mine at least...So I tailored my shirts.
Looking the part helps me to feel capable, confident and professional. People want to deal with winners so I want to look like one as it opens doors, helps build good first impressions and confidence in the person and the company they represent. In the military troops follow the example set by the chain of command, the NCO's and field officers; in business the same principles apply with employees and customers. Taking the time to present as best as one can matters for a leader (and everyone in my opinion) and that's why I work hard to represent.
My dad is gone now but often I find myself doing or saying something he did, exactly like he did, and it makes me smile and think well of him and the lessons he gave me, the influence his presence had upon me. I'm a different man though and will never come close to being the man he was but I try. He was a good man, the best really, and I'm happy to know that my life has been, and is, a representation of his. It feels good.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind
Discord: galenkp#9209
