Re: the toys. I think they generally indicate an ability to think outside the box. As long as they don't completely take over the work space, I generally approve.
My background is as a therapist, although I work with assistive technology with kids/adults. Since the demands of my job are variable, I have to always be a) professional and b) flexible, since I'm on the floor with kids, or changing toilet seats in client homes, etc. So 'business casual' is the thing here. Jeans are a no-no, but I don't even own a suit. I just have to look comfortable but professional, and I think that kind of compromise works well for anyone who has to be in the public eye.
Now, our IT guy at the office? He won $1 mil a few years ago in the lottery, and he only works when he wants to. He always shows up in jeans and a flannel shirt. And he never looks you in the eye, which drives me insane, and I always have to tell myself that it's okay, he must know what he's doing even though he doesn't look confident. And the only reason I know that is through exposure.
I think there's a subliminal connection between 'bad self esteem' and 'poorly dressed/groomed'. It doesn't have to be a suit, but as first impressions go someone who is confident will usually be dressed with care (and that only means 'be your most asthetically-pleasing self, like julad said).
In the end, I think it's more how you work with what you've got rather than what you're actually wearing that's most important. If you're in jeans/flannel, it might mean that you'll have to work harder at making people believe in your abilities, or you might alienate people because you're different. Likewise someone in a suit who couldn't meet your eyes and just looked uncomfortable in what they were wearing would be just as disastrous.
Something clean and casual, paired with good body language, would send a stronger image of being competent and professional.
no subject
My background is as a therapist, although I work with assistive technology with kids/adults. Since the demands of my job are variable, I have to always be a) professional and b) flexible, since I'm on the floor with kids, or changing toilet seats in client homes, etc. So 'business casual' is the thing here. Jeans are a no-no, but I don't even own a suit. I just have to look comfortable but professional, and I think that kind of compromise works well for anyone who has to be in the public eye.
Now, our IT guy at the office? He won $1 mil a few years ago in the lottery, and he only works when he wants to. He always shows up in jeans and a flannel shirt. And he never looks you in the eye, which drives me insane, and I always have to tell myself that it's okay, he must know what he's doing even though he doesn't look confident. And the only reason I know that is through exposure.
I think there's a subliminal connection between 'bad self esteem' and 'poorly dressed/groomed'. It doesn't have to be a suit, but as first impressions go someone who is confident will usually be dressed with care (and that only means 'be your most asthetically-pleasing self, like
In the end, I think it's more how you work with what you've got rather than what you're actually wearing that's most important. If you're in jeans/flannel, it might mean that you'll have to work harder at making people believe in your abilities, or you might alienate people because you're different. Likewise someone in a suit who couldn't meet your eyes and just looked uncomfortable in what they were wearing would be just as disastrous.
Something clean and casual, paired with good body language, would send a stronger image of being competent and professional.