I guess that’s what makes the contrarian in me stand up – that it’s no longer the de facto standard anymore, at least in our business. What the heck; I’m ornery that way I guess.

The staff (doctors and receptionists) at my doctor’s surgery launched into a chorus of ‘oh no, not already … no, thanks, not today … not again’ when I arrived for a doctor’s appointment first thing in the morning, in my business clothes. They thought I must be selling something …

Ties are still the norm for schools (at least age 11-18) here in the UK, though my childrens’ school is eliminating them in September because the amount of time the staff spend trying to get children to wear the ties properly is eating into teaching time and spoiling the relationship between staff and children. I’d much rather the children learnt stuff other than how to evade the tie-patrol!

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I realize there are two schools of thought on ties and similar clothing issues. But you can’t deny it makes a difference… to some. Seems like it might be wise to be prepared. Besides, it’s something I enjoy anyway.

And I appreciate your kind words; thanks for dropping by!

And it sounds like you may have “accidentally” ruined that tie on purpose to me, Rick. Any chance there was something subliminal goin’ on there?

I don’t argue with those who see them as a power statement, as more business-like, as more this or that … I just don’t agree. If you’re good at your job, the tie won’t matter. Similarly, if you’re not …

Oh, btw … new to your blog, and finding it very interesting. Looking forward to having you pop up in my RSS feed regularly.)

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His confusion, of course, will come from his brain having stored that brief and somewhat-embarrassing moment which you recount here: he will recall your face, but probably won’t remember why he knows you.

And the tie thing? Many years ago, when ties were still required at the company where I have worked now for almost twenty years, I ruined a silk tie my mother had purchased for me in New York (I live out west in the vast unknown area between Chicago and LA, and invoking “New York” in any story makes it sound more important) and that was the last day I wore a tie to work.

Every other male in the office continued to wear ties for about three or four years, but I never did. Could be that folks noticed the low, growling sound which I produced any time someone would glance at that area of the chest where the tie would be most prominent, because no one ever said a word to me about it.

It was a fun few years.

Thanks for reminding me of those days, Bob!

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You do make some interesting points. I’ve always felt as you do about dressing up a bit more than average. I have to admit, though; I’ve never thought of a tie as a phallic symbol. (Except for my King Kong tie, of course. Now that’s my definition of a power tie!)

But do you really think the big boss (who most of the time doesn’t wear a tie, either) thinks “less” of his employees for that? Not sure I agree, although there may be some subconscious stuff going on there just the same.

Nevertheless, I continue to wear ties to work, if only to proclaim my inherent maverickhood with the statement, “Hey, I’m different!” (Even if most people hear, “Hey, I’m insane!” instead. But I don’t mind; insanity fits within my definition of “different”.)

You discovered something I tell all my workshop attendees about image: “The way you look and dress announces the outcome other people can expect from. It also announces how you feel about yourself, and you’ll be treated accordingly.” Wearing a tie announces that you feel good about who you are and what you do; it announces that you are a serious professional. It also says, impressing clients is more important to me than my own comfort. Before you open your mouth, it says you are a serious professional – maybe important IF you wear a power tie.

A man’s tie is the only component of his wardrobe that enables him to “make a statement” about who he is. It also happens to be a phallic symbol, so it is sexy as well – but most men don’t know that or they wouldn’t be crybabies about wearing ties.

Even though the outcome of this story ws disapointing, the lesson learned was not. The big boss KNEW you were probably a customer instead of an employee because of the way you dressed. Think about that!!! What does he think of the image of his employees?

I tell my clients to always dress one notch above your client so they can look at you and be proud. Don’t we all love to point at our doctor, lawyer, “bank guy/gal” “Computer guy/gal” and beam proudly at them, saying, “That’s my lawyer” etc.

Always happy to do my part to make the world a better place!

Character? Well, maybe. I suppose it all goes into that big ol’ pot we call experience, though. Besides, considering my life… it’s pretty much par for the course! :-\

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