Little Miss (In) Competent strikes again
One of the cardinal rules of getting dressed in the mornings is that mirror use is essential. Do not try to get dressed whilst simultaneously feeding the cats, eating breakfast and putting the dirty washing in the machine, unless you can be trusted to remember to look in the mirror before leaving the house.
Appearance is very important in the professional world. It is, I feel important for everyone, as a component of self confidence, but when you are the representative of your company, presenting the correct and desired image is essential.
Scuffed shoes reflect badly upon the wearer. If they cannot be bothered to keep their shoes in good condition, how can they be trusted to keep financial records in good condition? It may be an unfair judgement, but the assumption is that a lack of care in personal details is going to be transferred to the professional world.
A lack of colour co-ordination is also a black mark. Some environments are conducive to experimentation in the fashion department, but I have to say it is not usually the Finance Department. At least in every one I have had to visit. Again, it can give the impression that the wearer isn't bothered about the finer details - a trait that is pretty damn important in today's world, working or otherwise.
So........can you guess where this is going?
I was having a meeting this morning. I've met the woman in question several times before, and I like her. Very friendly and easy to talk to.
We were discussing the finer points of a specific policy, when she leans over and starts to examine my top. It is one of my favourite work tops as it is supposed to be crinkly and doesn't require ironing. Which is always welcome. She looks me straight in the eye and says:
"I think.....no, I’m not sure, urm.....I think your top is inside out"
Oh shit. I look down at my shoulder, and yes. The top is inside out. The seams are visible. The label at the neck is poking out. And worst of all, the washing instruction label is flapping cheerfully at my ribcage. It is 11AM, and I have been here two hours. And I have been wandering around the building for most of that time.
"Oh. Whoops!" is the best response I can make. What can I say? She continues
"I wasn't sure. I mean some tops are supposed to have the seams showing so I didn't want to say anything"
By now I am turning really quite red. I can feel the heat spreading. I have rosy cheeks at the best of times, but I think you can appreciate that this was not the best of times. I don't normally blush, but this was one of those rare times that my cheeks decided to chime in with their contribution to the morning's embarrassment. Resembling a tomato I squeak out
"Oh" Mistress of the English Language I clearly am not today.
And then I realise....... I don't really care. She thinks it is funny - her giggles are a big giveaway, and I have to admit, it IS funny! I don't think I have done irreparable damage to my company's image - just my own, and it certainly isn't in the league of going to Edinburgh a week early for a meeting (yes, I did that too). Oh well. I am an auditor that isn't easily forgotten. Can't think why.
"Give me a minute to go and redress myself!" and I scamper off to the ladies to do what I should have done this morning. Look in the damn mirror.
Completely inside out. Bollocks. I redress myself, and check several times before I leave that my flies are done up, my trousers are on correctly and that my top is the right way out and on. Sorted.
And hanging on to the remains of my dignity and professionalism, I go and finish my meeting.
posted by DMouse007 @ 2/26/2004 09:21:00 PM
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