There is an old adage that says “The clothes make the man.” It is somewhere up there with the thought that tall men make better leaders. I’m sure there are similar phrases for girls and women, but I missed those along the way. The rule today covers a number of things all buried in the catch all “impression” and dance around the phrase “Make a good first impression.”

I listened to a Biblically based talk the other day and in it the speaker was telling a story about himself. He was focused on how sometimes God speaks through our spouse. He had been a “preacher” for many years and had built up some savings, but still had one sport coat when he had to and one suit when needed. The one suit had been bequeathed to him when a friend passed on. The suit was a really nice suit by a well known clothing maker. He was to appear on tv and asked his wife if he should get a new suit. Unexpectedly she said no. He was shocked, but listened to her. On the tv show, the host noticed the suit and intended to hammer the guy on a preacher having such a nice suit. The preacher laughed over the outcome and got to explain that it was his only suit and he got it from a dead guy. The host was humiliated and the preacher was rewarded for listening to his wife. 

When I graduated college, my mom bought me some suits, ties, a long overcoat, and a hat. She wanted me to make a good impression on my new coworkers, etc. I had owned a suit before, but rarely wore them and they had all been the typical cheap JC Penny off the rack suits for a specific wedding or funeral that I wore until I grew out of them. The hat is a little past making a good impression, the suits are still in the closet (a little too tight still), but I wore the coat on my most recent trip to London. I lasted at that job a little over a year, wore a suit and tie to the first day of my second job, and was practically laughed out of the office. I almost forgot about ties. I had a ton and a few nice ones. I think I now have more Christmas ties than any others.

The rule says that impressions matter; the whole picture has to be right; to be on time, authentic, prepared, and know that people are looking for cues and clues. Over the course of my career, I have run across many opportunities to make an impression. One thing I learned was that other people were making an impression on me as well. I learned to assess people based on these same factors and while I hope people see me for who I am, I know some people are poor at this and others who are not. That’s why it is so important to be authentic. Some of the best people I have met could not dress themselves and some of the best dressed were fake good for nothings.

Some typical to dos for making the right impression include being clean, having your hair and teeth brushed, wearing clean cloths and deodorant, having a watch and using it, and do those things necessary to be ready for whatever you are about to experience. But some higher perspective preparation is also important. Know who you are trying to bring glory to, know who you are trying to serve, and know what your audience needs. Bring glory to God, serve God and others, and know your audience needs right relationship with God. 

Showing up to a meeting late, disheveled, and unprepared might not be a sin, but beyond costing you a job or opportunity, it might allow God to be glorified. Its easier to do the right thing when you do it for the right reason.