How do I get my colleagues to like me?
3rd February 2014Damien Hirst and Alexander McQueen – when brands collide
7th February 2014Does age matter at work? Part 1 – Can you look too old?
Looking your age – within reason
Effortless chic is timeless – and women who age gracefully, like Robin Wright, look flawless because they keep it simple and appropriate.
How looking looking too old can limit your career and what to do about it.
Effortless chic is timeless – and women who age gracefully, like Robin Wright, look flawless because they keep it simple and appropriate.
How looking looking too old can limit your career and what to do about it.
In the workplace, being too young or being too old are both seen as “less optimal.” This leaves women – and men for that matter – in a tricky situation: how old is old enough to be seen to be as experienced but not to be seen as too old and therefore not “in touch”?
Women of a certain age face the “tiara syndrome” where we believe all that hard work and diligence will surely pay off and get us the corner office. Then, we”re stunned when the younger, less experienced “new girl” gets the job and the view. Why does this happen? Because women need to seem old enough to handle the job, but still give the image of energetic youthfulness. It”s not fair, but it”s true.
Anne, one of my favorite clients ever, needed to look younger and more vibrant to be seen as having the energy to take on a challenging role as CEO of a major arts center in the US. Conversely, Izzy, one of my newer clients, is fresh out of university and needs to evolve her image to be taken seriously so Thus, the relationship you may experience with men will be a bit neutral, neither good nor bad, certainly nothing nasty. she is no longer the “little sister”.
Women of a certain age face the “tiara syndrome” where we believe all that hard work and diligence will surely pay off and get us the corner office. Then, we”re stunned when the younger, less experienced “new girl” gets the job and the view. Why does this happen? Because women need to seem old enough to handle the job, but still give the image of energetic youthfulness. It”s not fair, but it”s true.
Anne, one of my favorite clients ever, needed to look younger and more vibrant to be seen as having the energy to take on a challenging role as CEO of a major arts center in the US. Conversely, Izzy, one of my newer clients, is fresh out of university and needs to evolve her image to be taken seriously so Thus, the relationship you may experience with men will be a bit neutral, neither good nor bad, certainly nothing nasty. she is no longer the “little sister”.
There are four “tells” that people use to classify someone”s perceived age:
1. How old do you look?
2. How old do you act?
3. How old do your accessories indicate you are?
Five ways an older or more mature woman can be seen as more youthful at work
1. Look mature and professional but not too old
Ditch sensible shoes. I know your feet hurt. I”m sorry. But ugly shoes are ugly and people notice and see you as geriatric. This doesn”t mean you need 5 inch heels, but you should wear a heel, stockings, and show some leg to prove you”re a woman who is still mobile. It makes you appear more feminine and younger, in a good way.
2. Have appropriate hair and makeup that is mature, but not too young
Pay attention to hair and makeup. Don”t overdo the makeup, but you have to wear some or you look like you”ve given up the ghost. Hair should have movement and “swing” and color. See Anne”s photos? The biggest change was her hair and makeup — took 10 years off!
3. Appear younger by keeping fit
Exercise every day. You”ll pump up your endorphins and energy, and be seen to be active. This matters as it shows you have energy and stamina for the job. If you can use the company gym, even better. Be seen to be there. At minimum, you should do some cardio or lift weights for 30 minutes a day. Put it in your diary and make it happen.
4. Should you talk about your health problems at work?
The short answer is, hell no. Don”t talk about your health. Ever. You don”t want to talk about doctor appointments, your mother”s doctor appointments, your dentist appointments, how your foot hurts from these shoes, or anything of the kind. Ever. Old people talk about their failing health and complain. You do not. That sort of talk just reminds them of how old you are and how old they are… no good comes of it.
5. Avoid collagen fillers and other things that actually make you look older
Be confident without being desperate. Too much surgery or filler, clothes that are too young for you, talking about clubbing and partying, these are all things that make you appear older because they emphasize the gap between your actual age and the kids.
Own your age, be graceful, don”t try to be anyone you”re not and you”ll get the promotion and recognition that you want.
1. How old do you look?
2. How old do you act?
3. How old do your accessories indicate you are?
Five ways an older or more mature woman can be seen as more youthful at work
1. Look mature and professional but not too old
Ditch sensible shoes. I know your feet hurt. I”m sorry. But ugly shoes are ugly and people notice and see you as geriatric. This doesn”t mean you need 5 inch heels, but you should wear a heel, stockings, and show some leg to prove you”re a woman who is still mobile. It makes you appear more feminine and younger, in a good way.
2. Have appropriate hair and makeup that is mature, but not too young
Pay attention to hair and makeup. Don”t overdo the makeup, but you have to wear some or you look like you”ve given up the ghost. Hair should have movement and “swing” and color. See Anne”s photos? The biggest change was her hair and makeup — took 10 years off!
3. Appear younger by keeping fit
Exercise every day. You”ll pump up your endorphins and energy, and be seen to be active. This matters as it shows you have energy and stamina for the job. If you can use the company gym, even better. Be seen to be there. At minimum, you should do some cardio or lift weights for 30 minutes a day. Put it in your diary and make it happen.
4. Should you talk about your health problems at work?
The short answer is, hell no. Don”t talk about your health. Ever. You don”t want to talk about doctor appointments, your mother”s doctor appointments, your dentist appointments, how your foot hurts from these shoes, or anything of the kind. Ever. Old people talk about their failing health and complain. You do not. That sort of talk just reminds them of how old you are and how old they are… no good comes of it.
5. Avoid collagen fillers and other things that actually make you look older
Be confident without being desperate. Too much surgery or filler, clothes that are too young for you, talking about clubbing and partying, these are all things that make you appear older because they emphasize the gap between your actual age and the kids.
Own your age, be graceful, don”t try to be anyone you”re not and you”ll get the promotion and recognition that you want.
