Tuesday, December 14, 2010

White Collar Image, Blue Collar Mentality

Men and women have always taken pride in their association with these two terms.  The term "white collar" has long attracted people because of the image it gives off.  Suits, ties, pressed shirts...professionalism and, ultimately, success.  The term "blue collar"  has instilled pride in the workers whose description this fits.  They take pride in working with their hands, doing the dirty deeds and knowing they fulfilled a hard day's work.  There are many differences between the two classifications.  But to be a great leader, to inspire people, you have to be both.

The origins of these terms comes from the early 1900's.  Industrial and manual workers wear durable clothing that can be dirty, soiled, or scrapped at work.  A popular element of such clothes has been, and still is, a light or navy blue work shirt.  Usually a lower education level and lower wages can be associated with this type of labor as well.  However, the values associated with this stereotype must be respected.  

"White Collar" is again characterized by the uniform of choice.  Sharply pressed shirt, crisp tie, polished shoes and pinstripe suit are some examples.  This image is associated with higher education, salaries, individual offices and an abundant lifestyle.  Most people will view the white collar class as being the bosses and managers, with the blue collar class being the laborers who execute the plans.  There has also been a negative image of being deceptive, greedy and sometimes lazy.  Almost everyone has worked with or under multiple people who can fit into that stereotype.

Many high school graduates base their higher education decisions based on the demographic they want to be associated with.  Most kids choose a 4 year academic university to be able to get a job in the white collar sector, with the rest going to trade schools to enter the blue collar sector.  They make these decisions based on where they project themselves to be in their future.  However, the vast majority leave these schools with a sense of entitlement because they completed their coursework.  Unfortunately, this is also why it takes the average job seeker 7-8 months to find employment.  They feel like they are owed a $45k salary right out of school.  With competition in every field at all time high, you must be in the forefront and lead to get ahead and have an edge.  You must become a leader.  

To be a true leader, to be a true success, you HAVE you possess the characteristics of both white collar and blue collar.  I'm not saying you have to wear the best suits and $500 shoes to get the perfect white collar image.  But you do have to care about it.  You have to look the part.  Take an extra 5 minutes to iron your shirt.  Take another 5 to shine your shoes.  You must show everyone that you take the time and invest in yourself and your personal appearance.  This is the first chance to make a solid first impression, so make it a good one.  For most people, this is the easy part because it's the fun part.  As a child, you loved playing dress up, putting on your dad's or mom's shoes and walking around the house.  This is the adult version, so most people love doing this on a daily basis.  However, the next trait is the one that gets ignored mostly and is just as important if not more.

You have to back your image with the blue collar work ethic.  Blue collar workers pride themselves on working their asses off, getting dirty and putting in a full day.  Remember when you played baseball as a kid how great it was to leave the game with a dirty jersey?  You never wanted to be the kid with nice white jersey at the end of the game!  The dirt proved to everyone you work hard and you're not afraid to get dirty if that's what it takes to get the job done.  Some kids, myself included, slid into home when they didn't have to just to earn that badge of honor.  You must have that same mentality in business.  You can't be afraid to hustle.  You can't be afraid to slide and get dirty just because you wear a clean white shirt.  

Always remember that people are first attracted to your clean and professional image, but its the blue collar work ethic that inspires people to follow you.  They can see in your day to day business you have the hustle and drive to not only be successful for yourself, but you can lead them and show them how to be successful as well.  So take some time each week to invest in your personal appearance, look clean and sharp.  But don't ever be afraid to slide.

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