In the end (with regards to the workplace), it comes down to management.  It is up to management to train staff properly and ensure that all dress and behavior codes are observed.  When you come across a situation with a gum popping, apathetic teenager, this reflects on management's training and oversight.  Becky sounds like a very conscientious administrator who makes sure her staff presents the appearance she wants her site to convey.  Not all management staff is so in tune with how their appearance comes across to their clients.  And its up to management to educate their staff on the importance of a certain appearance.  Yes, people should learn this at home before they make it to the work place, but many don't.  Its that simple.  So if you're going to demand specific behaviors, make sure its well known before you hire potential staff members.  Becky seems to do that effectively.  
 
It comes down to diversity and individuality verses conformity to social norms and traditions. Both have their advantages and their drawbacks depending on who you're asking and what type of environment you're trying to create.  
 
Meredith Dunham

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Rebecca Fitzgerald
Sent: Mon 10/2/2006 11:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] comment on today's youth...



Deb is right when she says that if the service had not been such a nightmare
the dress and demeanor of the employee wouldn't have been an issue.
(Actually the incessant gum smacking and her slovenly attitude was the
annoying part!)

But, since you mention it, the reality is that we are all judged day in and
day out by our appearance, our dress, our voice quality, our grammar, and
even our writing skills. It is OK to judge and be judged. In fact, our
ability to judge people and situations is what keeps us alive.

(By the way, I think your attempt to equate describing the dress and actions
of a Kinko's employee with racial bigotry was inappropriate and hateful.)

First impressions are important. The way you dress, your age, your make-up,
your vocabulary, the jewelry you wear, even your handshake technique tell
others something about you, your education, and your goals. Why do you
reserve your alternative look for weekends and after hours? Probably
alternative dress styles are inappropriate in your particular workplace.

I have a friend and former colleague who is an IT wizard. I have the utmost
respect and even some awe for Carla. She also has a most flamboyant goth
meets Scarlet O'Hara dress style. Her IT colleagues are mostly male, who
wear jeans, t-shirts, and mis-matched socks. Her dress is perfectly
appropriate to the situation. On one occasion I took Carla with me to do
some client trainings - I almost didn't recognize her in a tailored business
suit. The only clue was that it was black! :-) She understood that our
conservative clients would have trouble trusting the goth/Scarlet IT gal,
while the black business suit conveyed the message we wanted to send.

I used to work as a consultant to school systems all over the nation. I have
perfected the art of "blending in"...becoming sort of a chameleon. If I was
meeting with District or State officials I wore a suit, heels, etc. But if I
was going to be in a school meeting with teachers I wore tailored slacks and
a sweater. My consulting wardrobe contained no sleeveless shirts or dresses,
and no open toed shoes. They are inappropriate to school situations, since
many faculty are not allowed to wear them. Bottom line - I needed to fit in!
They were the client and I needed them to see me as professional and
trustworthy.

Now, whether you like it or not:
I don't like to buy food or drink from servers with long painted nails
because they can harbor filth, or from servers with multiple facial
piercings because it's unappetizing. I dislike medical workers with long
nails for the same hygienic reasons. I find it difficult to have a serious
conversation with young men's who pants droop below their underwear.
Likewise, I really do not want to see belly buttons - jeweled or un-jeweled,
or g-strings above a young woman's jeans.  I also don't want to see a
middle-aged plumber's behind either! I expect my financial advisor to show
up in a coat and tie - if he wants me to trust him with my cash. On the
other hand, I would be mistrustful if my lawn service guy showed up in a
coat and tie. I choose not to sit next to the drunk on the subway. And I
choose my vegetables by color, texture and aroma. Finally, I am fascinated
with folks who have multiple tattoos - I always wonder what they'll look
like in the nursing home when they're all wrinkly.

My interns are required to wear clothing that is appropriate to meeting the
public. No t-shirts, no shirts with slogans, no jeans. Slacks and a golf
shirt or a button down shirt are fine. Female interns can wear slacks/shirt
or skirts and dresses. I ask that they do not wear heels, since we are a
historic site, with 45 acres and the steep stairs that go with historic
buildings.

I also use court appointed community service workers. I have guidelines for
them as well. Their dress should be similar to our interns, and I do not
allow I-Pods, cell phones, or smoking during their work session. I recently
sent one of the community service workers home when she showed up in a
sports bra and low slung sweatpants - and she was about 8 months pregnant. I
also sent a young man home until he could obtain a belt. He couldn't do any
work that required two hands, because he had to hold his crotch up with one
hand.

A pretty well accepted piece of business advice says that if you want to
move up, dress like you already have the job.

Best Regards,

Becky Fitzgerald




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