Almost always my blog is about all things style. I cover fashion and image; what I think is hot and what's not. This time, what's been on my mind is style via attitude and leading by example. Last week, I had a meeting with a senior VP at a large banking group. I like and respect the president of the company very much and wanted to pitch the possibility of me helping their officers with image and style. When I met the senior VP, I instantly knew her company just didn't need me. Not because she looked like a million bucks, but because she carried herself like million bucks. She warm and down to earth. She has the gift, like a politician, that makes you feel like you're the only one in the room. I saw how she could get her point across succinctly but in a non threatening way.
Gretchen told me she didn't think they would need any outside help because she said they handle all image and branding of their management in house. She said, "I think we got this". I couldn't agree more. This company doesn't use a handbook: they learn by example. They guide each other and demonstrate professionalism in the day to day. The practical lessons learned set the tone for who they are, with room to be themselves-the direct anthesis of the very buttoned up UBS (United Bank of Scotland) handbook that spells out everything from personal fragrance selections to what a banker should eat for lunch. At this company, their attitude and professionalism are their image. It trickels down from the top. The way it should be.
