overhaul...

[boston_bbw]

I work full time in the medical proffession during the week at a job that does not require much in the way of a proffessional appearance.. jeans and a top is usually fine. Obviously if I had a meeting I would do a little more jewlery, makeup etc.. I work part time at a 2nd job which also dosn't require much in the way of proffessional attire. At neither job am I in charge or a supervisor, I go in do my job and leave. I think I am about to take a full time position that is at the part time job that would be a management position. A comment was made by another of the supervisory staff that I may not "command enough presence". I am looking for advice on how to do an "overhaul" to go from being "one of them" meaning staff to a supervisory position without loosing the relationship and respect I have with my current coworkers and without becoming a bitch on wheels? Do you think "command enough presence" is refering to my unproffessional appearance, my relationship with others or perhaps my "non-bitch" approach? Obviously I am not an idiot and realize if I am in a management position I won't be wearing my jeans and sweatshirt to work.. I think you can get done what needs to be done without being a bitch and am not good at being a phoney although I know this job will have a certain amount of PR BS included.

 

[wicked woman]

If you've applied (or are thinking of applying) for the management position, especially after hearing that comment, I'd start dressing better than jeans and a sweatshirt. Move up to business casual as a minimum...khakis at least. I've found a jacket makes a huge difference in adding professionalism to an outfit. What are people in the position you're interested in wearing? Emulate them.


No you don't need to be a bitch to manage people...but it is difficult moving from being one of the 'guys' to managing them. Fine line there....good luck.

 

[YellowShirt]

From Navy experience, there is one thing they say over and over again. You should always be acting/behaving/working as if you were one rank higher than you are. For instance, if you're just a first class petty officer, you should be behaving like a chief (e-6 to e-7). Start to take on the role now of a supervisor, and then when you do become one, the transition will be easier.
Just my two cents.

 

[Norajane]

"Command enough presence" refers to your clothes. Start building a wardrobe with some basic pants - black, navy, brown, maybe with a pinstripe. Add a few skirts. Jackets always make you feel more put-together, so spend some time figuring out what lengths and styles work best with your figure. Shirts and blouses is where you can add color and interesting details. Shoes are important - whether you go for heels or flats, they should always be in good shape and keep them polished.

Don't forget your hair and make-up. If you wear a lot of make-up, tone it down a little so it's more subtle. If you don't wear any make-up, add a little bit to 'finish' your look. Hair just needs to be neat and well-taken care of (get rid of the roots if you color, get rid of split-ends, get a style that's easy for you to do each day).

It sounds like a lot of work, but it becomes second nature. And looking professional has a way of making you feel super-confident. It's the confidence and competence that makes you stand out.