The Dress Code, Handled with Emotional Intelligence

Written by Susan Dunn, M.A., The EQ Coach™


Continued from page 1

CASUAL DAY

Often a nightmare for managers. Have you seen that memo circulatingrepparttar Internet that starts out “Starting May 1 we will have Casual Day on Fridays”, proceeds through ”dashikis, turbans, bikinis, and gold lame jumpsuits are not...” and ends with “Casual Day has been canceled.”

Some companies use phrases like “client dress code” and “meeting dress code” to helprepparttar 101792 good-taste-challenged. If they don’t, use your common sense, quintessential EQ. If there’s a big meeting, or clients coming torepparttar 101793 office, dress accordingly.

WHAT’S IN & WHAT’S OUT

The other day a friend of mine (we live in TX) was heading forrepparttar 101794 D. C. area and asked for my advice re: wardrobe. I told her no florals, no bright colors...” She interrupted with “How do YOU know?” Well, because I get around. I look around. I care.

My family moved every 2-3 years when I was growing up and inrepparttar 101795 summers I went to my grandmother’s in a rural Texas town. I got tired of being made fun, so I learned to learn quick. “Being made fun of” inrepparttar 101796 adult world can mean missing promotions, or being fired.

SO HOW TO FIND OUT MORE? ·People-watch. When you see someone well put-together, who looks really good, analyze why. Color? Fabric? Accessories or lack of them? ·People-ask. I can’t think of anything more flattering than to be asked how I manage to look so good. Ask and you can learn theory. One thing you’ll likely pick up, a la EQ, is thatrepparttar 101797 person delights in dressing as they do. They’re having fun. They’re creative. Then remember, “Imitation isrepparttar 101798 sincerest form of flattery.” ·Read magazines. Find some middle-of-the road magazine, something down-to-earth. Try “Marie Claire.” It’s a bit pricey but you can apply what you learn in a resale shop. FOR INSTANCE: They have “The Best Jeans to Flatter Your Shape.” “Great-fitting jeans arerepparttar 101799 ultimate wardrobe essential—andrepparttar 101800 hardest to find,” they say. I agree. The editors’ pick for all figures happens to be $138, but I’d pay that just to see if they actually flattered me: http://magazines.ivillage.com/marieclaire . ·Watch tv shows with fashion in mind. Anchor people are good, too. ·Userepparttar 101801 Internet. ·Watch who compliments you. One time I had on something I will not describe to you, and a teenaged boy with purple spikey hair and 5 earrings brushed past me inrepparttar 101802 store and said, “Like, dude, cool outfit.” It went inrepparttar 101803 trash. What was I thinking? ·Work with a coach.

Like everything else, dressing appropriately and attractively can be learned, and it can make a difference in your life. The greatest accessory you can have is self-assurance. If you do your homework, you’ll know you look right, and then you’ll feel right. Personal Power!



©Susan Dunn, M.A., Clinical Psychology, The EQ Coach. Executive and individual coaching, EQ-culture programs for organizations, Internet courses on emotional intelligence. http://www.susandunn.cc , and mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine, “EQ in the Workplace.” Please put “EQ” for subject line. Increase your EQ and everyone benefits.


The Hope Of A Single Crocus

Written by Helaine Iris


Continued from page 1

1. Stoprepparttar roller coaster ofrepparttar 101791 mind. I often wake up inrepparttar 101792 morning with my mind racing. It seems likerepparttar 101793 focus is always onrepparttar 101794 glass half empty. When I am aware of this happening, I get out of bed and walk, exercise, or anything that connects me with my physical body. I find this to be a quick and simple way to restore my perspective torepparttar 101795 glass being half full.

2. Slow down. Light a candle and gently breathe until you feelrepparttar 101796 connection to yourself. Remind yourself of who you truly are.

3. Make a list of allrepparttar 101797 things and people you love. What are you grateful for in your life?

4. Reach out to supportive friends, family or colleagues. It’s amazing how much stress you can release by talking about what is on your mind and being a supportive friend in return.

5. Connect with your purpose. What arerepparttar 101798 activities that are meaningful, joyful and inspiring to you?

6. Turn offrepparttar 101799 news. Resistrepparttar 101800 temptation to inundate yourself with negative messages. Pick up a book with uplifting content instead. Become choosey about how much and when you decide to engage.

7. As suggested by speaker, and author Kevin Eikenberry, participate and play withrepparttar 101801 “Good Samaritan” effect. Payrepparttar 101802 toll ofrepparttar 101803 person behind you, put extra money inrepparttar 101804 parking meter, or buy a cup of coffee forrepparttar 101805 person standing with you inrepparttar 101806 Starbucks line. This simple act will not only liftrepparttar 101807 spirits ofrepparttar 101808 surprised recipient, but also open and warm your heart as well.

This morning when I went outside to survey my yard, despiterepparttar 101809 dusting of snow we got last night, I noticed there were a dozen crocuses up. My heart leapt with excitement, not even late March snow can preventrepparttar 101810 bursting forth of new life when it’s time for spring.

It’s YOUR life…imaginerepparttar 101811 possibilities!

Helaine Iris is a certified Life Coach, writer and teacher. She works with individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals, who want to integrate their life purpose with their personal and professional life to create a life that’s joyful, fulfilling and successful. Are you ready to take a step that could change your life? For a complimentary session visit her website http://www.pathofpurpose.com or call her 603-357-8546 or email her helaine@pathofpurpose.com


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