Decoding the Dress Code

What is a Dress Code? It is a standard or a norm that acts as a guide to let us know what is appropriate to wear to a certain place or event. Whether it be a business event or a social event, it is important to give a good first impression.  When attending any event, it is courteous to adhere to the dress code. An event can be informal or formal and within these two definitions are different dress codes. 

An informal event can have a Lounge, Smart-casual or Casual dress code while a formal event can have a more specific White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

 Let’s take a look at the different dress codes that pertain to different events.

Informal Event:

 An informal event simply means that it is not formal. It means it’s definitely not a Black-Tie event. Although informal, the event would generally require a business suit. An informal dress code is typically a suit and tie for men and a suit dress for women.

An informal dress code can also be a Smart-Casual dress code. A Smart-Casual dress code is a dress shirt and dress pants but no tie for men and a sun-dress, dress, pant suit or skirt suit for women.

An informal dress code also includes a Casual dress code. A Casual dress code can mean a polo shirt and pants for men and dress or pants with shirt for women.

Formal Event:

A formal event would require a formal dress code. A formal dress code can mean a White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

A White-Tie dress code is the most formal dress code.  A White-Tie dress code comes in to affect after 6.00 p.m. and is usually acceptable at state dinners or evening balls. A White-Tie dress code for men is an evening dress coat, white bow-tie, white waistcoat and a starched collar shirt.

A White-Tie dress code for women is a ball gown.

The less formal dress code for a formal event is the Black-Tie dress code. The Black-Tie dress code is for an evening event mainly after 6 p.m.

The Black-Tie dress code for men is a black suit, a white dress shirt, a black bow-tie, a cummerbund, and black dress shoes. 

 

A Black-Tie dress code for women can vary but consists of a dress, either ankle or mid-calf length, gloves, stole and evening shoes.

Being aware of what traditional dress codes mean is important, not only to create a good impression at an event but also show respect to the host or hostess.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Six Tips for Managing People

Managing people is a tricky job, even for the most skilled business school grads and experienced professionals.  Being a manager is more than just delegating tasks and supervising employees; it means you are accountable to both your boss and your staff. 

Here are a few tips for managers:

1. Delegate work according to skill level and capability

As a manager your staff is there to help you achieve your goals as a department, section, or even organization. Being in charge is doesn’t give you the right to palm off tasks you don’t enjoy on your staff. You must delegate work according to your staff’s skill level and capabilities. Each member of your staff is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses;  it is your job to recognize their strengths. You need to get to know your staff and their capacities in the workplace. Remember to be fair in your delegation, resist the urge to pile work on your strongest staff members and delegate easier tasks to those who might be struggling. Make sure everyone has a fair share of responsibilities within their assigned roles.

2.  Hold weekly meetings

Weekly meetings are a common practice in most workplaces as it gives co-workers and managers alike a chance to discuss progress, plan the coming week, and initiate new tasks. Make sure you get status updates on the work you’ve delegated and ensure the participation of all your employees in weekly meetings. This  will allow you to assess how employees are dealing with the workload and determine where changes need to be made.

3. Schedule open door time

The “Open door” policy isn’t always the best approach to increase productivity. As a manager you may need time alone in your office to work, brainstorm, meet tight deadlines, and sort out your thoughts. However, your employees will have questions and concerns to discuss with you, designating a time when you will be available to address these concerns is a great way of showing your concern and approachability. It’s a good idea to schedule “open door time” every day or at

least 3 times a week; this way employees know they can talk to you about their concerns.  This practice is often adopted in academia where professors have “Office Hours” within which students can meet them to discuss grades, assignments etc.

4. Exercise open and effective communication

Open communication is the key to effective management. Managers are often the bearers of good and bad news.  When relaying messages from the higher echelons of your organization make sure you share information equally. Inform all employees at the same time.  Some managers feel that they should only share information with certain employees who they determine “need to know it” or for whom it is “relevant”. However this scenario often results in closed door meetings between the manager and just a few staff members, leaving other employees feeling left out, suspicious and anxious.  Engaging in closed door meetings of this sort is highly discouraged as it promotes division and suspicion. Of course some information needs to remain confidential but managers must be discrete about how they go about disclosing information to staff .

5. Keep it professional 

The office is a great place to network and make new friends, but it’s important to keep it professional. You may be closer to certain members of your staff than others but attempt to maintain the same level of interaction with all employees. Avoid going out to lunch with  the same staff members every week or sitting next to the same people at meetings. This makes others feel like you’re playing favourites and will result in jealousy, competition, and workplace conflict as everyone wants to be close to “the boss”.  You can engage in conversations with employees outside of working hours but remember to keep your composure.  Be polite and keep it professional, don’t get too personal.

6. Introduce team building initiatives

Initiating team building activities is a good way to foster a collectivist environment within your department and make employees feel included and welcome. Introducing office outings such as a lunch out of the office will allow you to connect with your staff in a new environment and boost morale within the department. If going out is not feasible, organizing a department potluck or simply celebrating employee birthdays with a cake or dessert is a great way to promote interaction. A collectivist environment is always better than an individualistic environment within a department or office. Managers need to make sure employees are team players working toward a common goal. 


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting