Personal Grooming

How you are groomed is the first thing anyone looking at you will probably notice. When you are fresh and well groomed, it creates a positive impression. Research has shown that good looking people have a 20% advantage over the not so groomed ones.

If you are a genius, perhaps you can get away with anything. If you are not, though, here are some basic rules to conform to:

1. Daily showers are a necessity.

2. Hair must be shampooed at least once in 2 days and conditioned once a week.

3. A hairstyle to suit your face and personality must be chosen.

4. Eyes, nose and ears need to be cleaned in privacy and not in public.

5. Teeth need brushing and flossing every morning and night, and rinsing after every meal. Make sure not to eat any pungent food during office hours. If you do, rinse your mouth thoroughly and eat some mouth freshner.

6. Nails should be clipped and filed short for men and be of medium length for women. It is understood that medium length nails have to be clean and if painted, the enamel should not be chipped. Bright and zany nails are great for parties but not for work.

7. Toes and feet too should be taken care of. The feet should be kept clean and crack free. The toenails should go through a routine of cleaning. Ladies can paint them in mild colours for work and try and have a pedicure once every fortnight. n

(The author is a trainer in general business etiquette and communication. Email: padmini@academyace.com Tel: 26348350)

Issue BG45 Dec04