By Peter Jeff
The Leadership Mints Guy

Here’s an idea to help you reinforce your personal reputation and influence. Reading time: 1:58

Steve Jobs wearing his iconic turtleneck

Turtleneck. CEO. Computers.

No doubt you already started thinking Steve Jobs long before you read the word “Computers.” And no wonder. The former CEO at Apple used his trademark Issey Miyake designed $175 St. Croix Black Mock Turtleneck to reinforce his image and reputation as our generation’s Thomas Edison.

After all, clothing can be a critical leadership tool in establishing authority in general and reinforcing a reputation -an expected behavior — in particular. Consider the white-coated scientist, the stove-top white hatted chef, the orange-vested traffic cop. Clothing differentiates.

That’s why comedian like Steve Martin, humorist Mark Twain, and celebrated author Tom Wolfe wore a signature white suits. Entertainer and pianist Liberace wore a $60,000 robe on stage — a replica of the coronation robe worn by Great Britain’s King George V-as his sartorial signature.

Larry King and his iconic suspenders

Indeed clothing can help gain instant credibility and viability with your audience.

Larry King, then the talk show host of CNN, was known for his shirt-sleeve look (no suit coat) that showcased his ubiquitous suspenders. Before King addressed 14,000 fans at 8 am to kick off a day long event of motivational and celebrity speaker-a-thon, he said “First let me prove to you that it is really me.” He took off his blue suit coat to reveal his iconic suspenders. The crowd applauded in recognition of Larry King’s sartorial signature.

Leaders know they can “clothes” the sale with a point of sartorial differentiation. No wonder costumes have always found a place in persuading others. Even outlandish costumes.

Consider Salvador Dali, the surrealistic artist known for his penetrating and provocative palette, once wore a diving helmet and a wet suit to a news conference. Dali donned the deep-sea outfit for the opening of his new art exhibit saying that he could better “descend into the depths of consciousness.”

Maybe you can dive down deep inside of you and “clothes” the sale. Or at least find a turtle(neck).

Today’s ImproveMINT

Appreciate how your wardrobe can keep your leadership thinking in mint condition.

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