The Reality of Workplace Appearance and Impressions

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Swapping stories about a boss who told a woman to dress differently and wear make-up to advance in her career sparks a discussion on whether it's sexist to give such advice. While one person finds it unfair, another acknowledges the reality of the world we live in, where appearances matter. The desire for a world where job performance is the sole criterion is shared, but the connection between appearance and impressions can't be ignored.

As leaders, we know we’re supposed to be authentic, but for women, that can be tricky. For one thing, it can be hard to even know what our “true selves” want with all the demands competing for our attention. For another, there are different expectations about how women should look, and behave. In this episode, we talk with an expert on authenticity, as well as a woman trying everyday to bring her best self to work and help others do the same. Guests: Tina Opie and Candice Morgan. Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City in Motion,” provided by Audio Network. For links to the articles mentioned in this episode, as well as other information about the show, visit hbr.org/podcasts/women-at-work.