Along the journey of life we learn many lessons … and sometimes we need to re-learn them!
Here is a basic lesson I learned during seven years in the Royal Navy.
Keep your shoes polished.
What does it say to me about a person who has habitually clean shoes?
They care about their grooming … so presumably they care about how they are perceived, which means they will try hard.
They likely feel that the little things are important … so presumably they will take care of the big things too.
They have some discipline … which means they are likely conscientious.
They have a means to keep their shoes clean … so they are probably organised.
Some tips to help you create an image of professionalism too …
Keep a spare pair of clean shoes in your office … so when it’s snowy or rainy you can change.
Keep some polish and brushes in your office, and at home.
Check the state of your shoes every day.
PS. Apply the same logic to all the little things!
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Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle (a Professional Staffing Company)
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Kevin Dee
For a diametrically opposite view, see the article at: http://rubensrants.wordpress.com/2000/01/01/why-i-wont-hire-anyone-who-keeps-their-shoes-polished/ (which, incidentally, has a link back to this).
Also, from someone who says: “They likely feel that the little things are important …”, it’s odd to see that the page is titled: “Along the journey of liufe” …
I know, just a “ty-oops!-o” but letting it through speaks against the writer’s main thesis…
Thanks for the comment … and because I do think that the little things are important, I fixed the typo.
Wow! I am impressed! You wasted no time in getting on that one!
Good on you!
(I also think little things are important, although not necessarily polished shoes… But then, I’m not customer-facing.)
Incidentally, you might find this interesting and amusing: http://rubensrants.wordpress.com/2000/01/01/math-for-dummies/#comment-18
Enjoy!