The Moment: High Standards

Dear Anne Marie: Maybe my standards are too high…but I am embarrassed to go on sales calls with one of my colleagues. He looks so unkempt. The last time we were together he had a safety pin where his cuff button ought to be. Do I just write it off as bad taste?
    — Roy W.

Dear Roy: You pay meticulous attention to detail. Nothing is too small or too trivial that it is not worth doing well. You never rush a job just to get it done; instead you take all the time that is required to turn out a superior product. Meeting high standards in all that you do brings you immense pleasure.

Managing The Moment

The "Moment to Manage" is your feeling of embarrassment. Assuming responsibility for your co-worker's personality leaves you feeling discredited by his actions. The outcome is embarrassment, which causes you to lose confidence in yourself. With your confidence down, how will you meet the high standards that you enjoy so much?

The Game Plan

First, determine what your company policy is regarding dress code. Both of you are representing your organization when you go out on a sales call. Whose attire most closely matches the company norm? Is your colleague's attire a "company" problem or is it merely a problem for you?

Second, talk to your colleague about your concerns. If your colleague's attire is below company standards, ask him if he will upgrade his appearance for sales calls. This is a request (not a demand), made in a business like manner for a business reason. In other words, don't make it personal.

Third, determine in advance your desired outcome for the sales call. Then concentrate on your performance and the results you want to achieve. Your colleague's funky appearance will fade into the background as you give your attention to the business at hand.

Fourth, be mindful of your assumptions. Is it bad taste that has your colleague replacing buttons with safety pins or is it blind ignorance? Is it possible that he really doesn't have a clue? On that scary thought count your blessings!

Finally, be objective about your standards. Your standards are your subjective rules for living, not the gold standard for all human beings. Stand back for a moment and be objective when other people show up with their version of how things ought to be done.