Shoes Make the Man?

So today I attended a training with a bunch of branch managers from the bank on various deposit products for businesses (checking and savings accounts) and somehow the trainer got on the subject of dressing for success. One veteran branch manager discussed that while many people think it’s okay to go “business casual,” bankers really ought to wear a coat and tie all the time to project professionalism. I supposed I agree that clothing does have an impact on the way that people perceive you. I have been wearing a tie every day for the past six weeks and it’s been an interesting adjustment for me. No more golf shirts or casual Fridays…

Anyway, during the training class, another person spoke up and said they think a person’s shoes make a real impression since people often look down at your shoes when you shake their hand. It was suggested that shoes were the foundation one’s personal appearance and that they say a lot about one’s character. Suddenly I was keenly aware that my shoes were scuffed up and somewhat shabby looking that day. Yikes!

The trainer was a very fun and entertaining black lady from Missouri who confessed to us that she owns 270 pairs of shoes! Now, perhaps she was exaggerating, but still, I believe she must have A LOT of shoes! Amazing. I can’t imagine having that many shoes. I have thee pair at any given time: black, brown and gym, along with some sandals. But since I don’t want to be viewed as having a scuffed up, shabby character, I had better invest in one or two more pair. And I really need to resist the temptation to buy from Payless Shoes. Is it possible that I can spend $50 on a pair of shoes?