Most of you have never seen me like this before and most of you will never see me like this in the flesh (if I can help it) – but there are times where it’s absolutely necessary that I don the slacks, the button down, and even rock a belt for goodness sake.
And it’s nice belt (or at least I think so…) – it’s Kenneth Cole (is that a nice company? I don’t know…).
Oh yeah, I can’t forget the shoes – the shoes! I’m a fan of Zoo York’s brand of shoes; highly functional, very comfortable. Today I’m rocking a pair of shoes that were ridiculously priced from Aldo – a pair left over from the days when I was an executive at a Fortune 50. Bleh.
But it is what it is. I’ll be spending most of the day today in a company that had over $40B dollars in revenue. Yes, that’s billion. They are a bit more button-up and pro-fess-ion-aalll than what I typically wear at home (or act).
The point is that at times we need to do what it takes to build the relational capital necessary to have a platform in someone else’s life – to have the authority and influence to speak into their lives so as to ultimately provide value to them.
Yay.
And you know this already and you do it naturally – in fact, this is just a part life but it’s fascinated me how often we forget this the moment we step into the online world.
For example, it’s astounding how the cultural and social norms of serving others is forgotten the moment many bloggers first hit the “Publish” button. They believe it’s all about them and who they are and forget to “dress up” to serve their audience.
Remember, it’s not about dressing up to look better than you are or to fool someone into believing something that’s not true – it’s about walking in their shoes, moving toward them (instead of creating distance), and inserting yourself into their environment and meeting them where they are.
I dressed up today so that I can be more socially acceptable so that I could provide the most value to those that will hear my voice today. Do I like wearing this? Not really. Am I willing to set my pride on the sideline for a moment so I can connect with them better? Absolutely.
Just don’t forget to do this online, don’t forget to do this when you blog.
You look purtee…
In the non-creepy way.
gotcha. …
Jon, I completely agree with this!
I have had discussions (disagreements) with friends that try to use the “I should be myself” reason when he/she has an important meeting, with the intention of selling themselves. They always try to excuse it as it isn’t an interview.
Obviously, they totally don’t get it! I try to tell them they can “make the other person uncomfortable, if you are dressed too comfortable”.
Sorry, I dropped the “h” from your name. I think I got worked up thinking about the conversation with my friends!
oh, i love that! i’m going to borrow that statement!
John, I was intrigued to read this post because… well I just had no idea where you were going with this!
And as always, I wasn’t disappointed with the point you wanted to make in the end.
sure thing ivan!
Hey you you look sharp bro. Looking the part and also being knowledgeable in the right environment is important. Shows you know how to adapt to any situation.
thanks man. it’s a good thing I don’t mind it that much!
I’m dealing with this exact issue now with regards to my church. Rather than worry about how I think of it or see it, or argue over something so silly, I choose to try and work my way in to reach them, even if it means rocking a nice tie and some nice shoes.
ah. it is what it is!
180 degree shift
There is a scripture (and the reference continues to illude me along with the exact wording) that talks about becoming like others in order to minister to them and possibly tell them about Jesus. Doesn’t mean sinning, but it can mean changing how you dress, what you eat, where you go/don’t go, etc. in order to connect with certain people. People (myself included) get settled in their comfort zones that they simply are not going outside of them to hear what you have to offer. This means we haave to be willing to go outside of our comfort zones if we are to connect with them.
1st Cor 9:19
http://www.esvbible.org/search/1st+cor+9%3A19/
I become all things to all men so that I may win a few.
Yeah, that’s it! I hate it when I can’t find a scripture I know is there. I’m usually pretty good at it, but sometimes my brain doesn’t cooperate. Thanks!
I just saw this today and I immediately thought of this post.
http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2012/05/why-mark-zuckerberg-needs-his-hoodie/52106/
I dunno….maybe Zuckerberg can pull it off.
when i’m managing a billion dollar IPO, yes.
Exactly. I think he might have power to turn it around….only meeting with the executives sans coats and ties.
#LOL.