2. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Introduction
• In today’s diverse workplace,
your actions and motives are
constantly under scrutiny.
• People are constantly observing
your behavior and forming
theories about your
competence, character, and
commitment.
3. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Important
• Like it or not, you do have
an image: if you do not
develop it by intent, then it
will develop by default.
• A positive professional
image is essential to a
successful career, no
matter your age or field.
4. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Important - American Survey
• According to a survey
conducted by an American
Company, 39% of
managers feel that
workers dress too
casually.
• And 75 % of American
workers believe clothing
and personal appearance
influences attitudes about
professionalism.
5. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Professional Image - Definition
• Your professional image
is the set of qualities and
characteristics that
represent perceptions of
your competence and
character as judged by
your key constituents, for
example: clients,
superiors, subordinates,
colleagues.
6. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Tip 01 – First Impressions
• First impressions are critical
and it is especially important
for those entering the business
environment.
• People form their first
impressions in three seconds.
• And once that impression is
formed, it is very difficult to
change.
7. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Tip 02 – Developing a Positive Attitude
• You need to exhibit a positive,
respectful attitude.
• You want to be confident but
not cocky, polite but not
obsequious, friendly but not
annoying.
• Be authentic, polite, and
positive. Be your best self.
8. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Tip 03 – Using a Positive Body Language
• Your body language is a crucial
element of your image and it has to
inspire trust.
• Creating a professional persona
through body language means:
– Carrying yourself confidently.
– Making eye contact when speaking.
– Offering a firm handshake.
– Sitting and standing up straight.
– Smiling and saying hello to people.
– Putting away the iPod.
9. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Tip 04 – Know What Image you Want to Project
• What kind of personal image
do you want to project?
• Do you want to impress as a
creative, energetic,
innovative, and enthusiastic
leader?
• Or as a laid-back, let-it-all-
happen, efficient manager or a
sensitive, caring people
person?
• Think about the right signals
that you want to project.
10. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Tip 05 – Matching your E-life & Professional Image
• Everything you post and send
on-line can and will be seen by
your employers and colleagues.
• Clean up your e-life.
• Do a search and take down
anything that makes you look
bad, and ask your friends to do
the same.
• Don’t let your on-line life
sabotage your professional
image.
11. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Conclusion
• Your professional image
involves the way you dress,
speak, interact with others,
hold your body, and use
electronic media.
• Knowing the importance of
image and the way others see
you is the best way to project
the professional image that
will help you be successful.
12. • The following are referenced in this
presentation:
• Mallory Stark
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4860.html
• http://www.nutribase.com/proimage.
html
• http://www.binkd.com/image/7-
steps-to-a-successful-professional-
image
• Debra Wheatman
http://career.answers.com/career-
management/four-steps-to-creating-a-
positive-professional-image
Developing a Positive Professional Image
Our References
13. Developing a Positive Professional Image
Business Contact
Feel free to send us an e-mail.
Our Website:
www.licoreis.com
Our E-mail:
licoreis@licoreis.com
licoreis@licoreis.com.br
Linkedin: Roberto de Paula Lico Júnior
Skype: roberto.lico
Notas do Editor
Last year, the inability to produce subpoenaed e-mail resulted in million dollar—even billion dollar—lawsuits against U.S. companies.