Appearance is another nonverbal communication code which affects interpersonal communication in business relationships. Our place of work requires business casual, we're a sales organization and it's important our attire speaks to our professionalism. There are those in the office who at times struggle to understand their attire is what makes the first impression of our credibility to our customer base. They struggle between casual and business casual, blurring the lines between the two.
Another appearance issue we had recently was due in part to one of our inside sales representatives weight and his poor hygiene. He was one of the best inside sales representatives we had, he was with our company for many years and was a loyal employee. However, there was a reason he continued to be an inside sales representative, he didn't take care of himself and wasn't presentable to be seen by our client. Unfortunately for him, one of his most loyal customers demanded that they fly in to meet with him, take him out for a night on the town for all the good work he's done for them over the years. Well, long story short, the following day the client requested he be removed from their account and his career quickly came to an abrupt end. It's important that we understand how our appearance affects our interpersonal communication in business relationships.
What are your thoughts on this?