How do you have dress code conversations without objectifying or being biased? Quick Hits
This was an interesting conversation to have with three men who have very different professional roles.
Gary Fredericks started us off by sharing that when he was working at a university, he saw it as a coaching opportunity. He was trying to help his students prepare for job interviews. In a company he said having a clear and well written handbook is important. Later in the conversation he shared a situation where how someone was dressed made him uncomfortable.
Atif Agha made it clear throughout the conversation that dress code is easier for men, perhaps because men have fewer fashion choices. He also suggested that rather than telling people what not to wear, tell them what is best for a specific situation.
Dave Roberts agreed with Gary and Atif that having a policy in place is key. He also believes that those types of conversations should be had in private.
I brought up the issue of dress codes being mostly aimed at women and that there is often size discrimination in what is okay or not okay to wear. Towards the end of the conversation Atif reminded us that in France women are being “dress coded” for wearing a hijab.
For me the bottom line is this – does what you are wearing represent who you are as a professional?
In the end I’m not sure we answered the question about how to have dress code conversations but we did show how challenging this topic is and how more discussions need to be had.
How do you think dress code issues should be addressed?
Connect with the panelists:
Atif Agha: / atifagha
Technology specialist doing data analytics and avid runner, based in Chicago
Gary Fredericks: / garyfredericks
CEO of On Point Partners where they provide back-office services for small businesses. They make business easy.
Dave Roberts: / david-roberts-56690513
Teacher, co-author of the book When the Psychology Professor Met the Minister and a bereavement support specialist
Dr Robyn Odegaard: / robynodegaard
AKA Mental MacGyver. My doctorate is in high performance business psychology. I provide customized, confidential, high-performance support and coaching to executives, founders, celebrities and athletes.
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