Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Career Advancement Question: Sherry, I have just changed jobs. I am in managerial level. My subordinates do not respect me as much as they do my old colleagues in a similar capacity. I have proved myself to be working as efficiently as my counterparts. What should I do? Kirian Answer: Managing other people is a complex job and it involves more than just efficiency skills. Several factors could be at play here. Keep in mind that you are new to this position. Sometimes when there is a changeover of management personnel; it takes time for others to accept the new person in the authoritative position of their old boss. This is especially true if the former manager was particularly liked and respected by the subordinate group. Give the group some time to adjust to your management style before you cast harsh judgement on yourself or them. In the meantime, let’s dig deeper and examine some pertinent questions: 1) Do you fully respect yourself? 2) Do you respect your ability to do this job as much as you do the person’s ability that you have replaced? If your answer is no, your lack of full self-respect, your doubt, or your lack of confidence will come through in the subtleties of your nonverbal communication. There are multiple ways to work on this, but let’s begin with the most obvious aspect of the nonverbal: Do you look like a manager? Do you act like a successful manager? A manager’s exterior or physical image is critical to commanding instant respect and conveying authority. Authority is always a little more formal in attire and demeanor. As I say in my book, Casual Power, that does not mean that you act aloof or unapproachable. It simply means that you dress in a highly professional manner and that you are always especially well groomed. Even if your company has a very casual dress code, it is imperative that you wear a tailored jacket, or have one handy, every day. I urge you to read Casual Power and follow the “Vertical Dressing” tips outlined in Chapter 5. Vertical dressing always adds a touch of “power” to a woman’s image. And what does “POWER” mean? The English Oxford Dictionary lists the first definition of power as simply, “the ability to do.” Do others see you as having the ability to do this job? Are you projecting a businesslike image, the image of a leader? On the other hand, are you projecting an image that says that you are more concerned with your comfort and/or your social life? To get ahead in any workplace, never underestimate the power of a businesslike image; it’s particularly dangerous if you are a manager or have goals to be on the executive level. Lastly, put yourself in the place of your subordinates and objectively examine these six additional aspects of your workplace image: Your posture — Authority stands tall and proud, regardless of your height. Slumping shoulders apologize for being there, for taking up space in the world. Your ability to make and maintain eye contact — If it’s weak, practice, practice, practice until it’s as mindless as taking the next involuntary breath. Your handshake — Is it strong or wimpy? Be sure to slide your palm all the way in, matching the other person’s palm. Give their hand a firm shake, as you look them in the eye. Be sure to do this equally with women and with men. Your ability to confront issues — If you act tentative, scared, or nervous here, you lose respect. You can be nervous, just learn how not to show it. Learn how to communicate negative feedback in a positive way, if you are not already well versed in this skill. On the flip side of this issue, be comfortable with delivering bottom-line communications that have no sugar coating. Your ability to make decisions, to back them up, and to stand by them — Even if you’re wrong, managers must be good at decision making and positive moving forward habits. Your ability to build team spirit — Real leaders develop this skill, if it does not come naturally to their personalities. You a lot to evaluate and consider. Take each piece as you can. But primarily, begin with a powered up image Best of luck to you, Sherry Maysonave Also see: The law firm I work for just adopted business casual dress policy. What should I wear? Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'