We are part of a culture that spends excessive time and energy focused on extrinsic and material elements. We can quickly ascertain the accepted style of dress in the workplace, from the more formal button-up style to chinos and polos to the jeans and shorts with T’s. This even permeates to color options. While it is acceptable that organizations may require minimum standards from a professional and client-facing perspective, at what point do we hold back on the extent of control?
We comment on someone’s attire, and typically, it is against our own set of standards. However, even if they may be the ‘company dress code,’ we have subscribed to what is considered normal and appropriate.
Why does this matter? Is this the most crucial element, or should we instead focus on the words and actions of that individual? While we choose to judge, and with that comes our biased perspective, could we instead not focus our attention on what truly matters?
Let the colors and style of the actions be the impetus of our assessment rather than the visual aspects that in reality carry no credence since judgment alone demands little effort as is far too simple.
